A coalition of believers, clergy, and religious members of the
Catholic Church in Zambia officially handed over a formal
petition to the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi and the
Secretariat of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops
(ZCCB).
Petition Coordinator, Peter Sinkamba confirmed the development
in a statement saying it is aimed at protecting Archbishop
Alick Banda from ‘political persecution’ and interference.
He said the petition, signed by 2,000 Catholic Church members,
addressed to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, is a proactive defense
of the pastoral office of His Grace Dr. Alick Banda, Archbishop
of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, amidst escalating reports of
state-sponsored efforts to procure his removal or transfer.
Key Highlights of the Petition:
• Rejection of Political Interference: The petitioners
categorically reject any pressure from the Government of the
Republic of Zambia aimed at influencing ecclesiastical
appointments. They contend that secular authorities must not
interfere in the “Libertas Ecclesiae” (Freedom of the Church).
• Prophetic Voice Under Attack: The faithful submit that the
Archbishop is being targeted for his unwavering adherence to
Catholic Social Teaching, particularly his “prophetic voice”
regarding justice, governance, and the fundamental option for
the poor.
• Canonical Integrity: The petition highlights that according
to Canon 377 §1, the appointment and removal of Bishops is the
sole, free prerogative of the Supreme Pontiff. The petitioners
argue that unresolved civil allegations or political
displeasure do not constitute “grave causes” for removal under
Canon Law.
• Solidarity in Persecution: The signatories expressed profound
concern over what they describe as “state-sponsored
persecution” and have requested that the Holy See retain Dr.
Alick Banda as Archbishop even in the event of unjust
imprisonment arising from his defense of Church principles.
The Call to Action
The petitioners have humbly requested that the Holy See affirm
the pastoral authority of Archbishop Banda and safeguard the
autonomy of the Church in Zambia from secular overreach.
“We act as ordinary Catholics, concerned for the Church’s
freedom and canonical order. The Church’s mission is to be the
conscience of the nation, and that mission cannot be subject to
the whims of political actors.”
The handover of this petition marks a significant moment in the
relationship between the Church and State in Zambia, as the
faithful seek to ensure that the “Shepherd of Lusaka” remains
protected by the universal laws of the Church.
Petition Coordinator: Peter Sinkamba,
He shows his self into political battles and he’s pf and he needs to go to court to answer for the vehicle, its taking long
When you cry for rains, you are also crying for mud. In politics, you also get political bruises and in boxing, you get blows. The best thing to do is to avoid them. For the rains, we can understand but politics can be avoided by the man of God. No one in government has directly attached Archbishop Alick Banda, those who have good memory can still remember that the Chawama priest is the one who attacking or discrediting HH and Alick Banda joined the battle by supporting him instead of rebuking him. So critically at things, you can see that no one from the UPND government hates Archbishop Alick Banda, it’s him who hates the UPND government. A man of God should never be involved in partisan politics, should always remain neutral, Christ loves everyone irrespective of those things, tribe, region, party affiliation and so on.
Now what can the vatican do if Allick Banda is found with a case to answer, stop the cases?
Alick Banda demonstrated poor moral judgment and should be held accountable for his actions. It is unreasonable to protest when asked to explain how he possesses items believed to be stolen property. His conduct also reveals much about his character. Additionally, if Peter Sinkamba supports his stance, it further undermines his credibility.
Alick Banda is a disgrace, and the Vatican should seriously consider removing him from his current role. Send him to teach in a primary school in Vatican City.
It is Chinkamba and Co. that should be telling Zambians why Alick Banda was found with 2 Govt Hiluxes. Let them petition the Vatican for all they want. But tat does not take away the case in hand no matter these Drug dealers say. It even will be embarrassing for the Vatican to be explaining how one of them stole 2 vehicles which were found to be in his name!
The Archbishop failed a cardinal requirement for church leadership.
According to 1Tim. 3:2, “Now the overseer is to be above reproach”.
An elder of the church of Jesus Christ must never figure in any scandal of any kind. No one is persecuting the Archbishop. The man who supposedly gifted the Archbishop the vehicle vehemently denied doing so or even ever having so much as bid for or touched the vehicle. This cannot easily be dismissed as persecution.
There are happy to see PF criminals fighting and soon they will start compaigning for his preferred candidate don’t play with these bishops they have got a candidate invisible hands in whatever mundubile is doing.If you want to learn jealous, bitterness and hatrages see these bishops especially Alick banda and chama outside the church very is fuledii mmembe basopo.
How can the so called holy people anonymously support an offender? It means they’re all a bunch of criminals masquerading in robes. If they’re all behind Alick Hilux it means all their hands are equally soiled.
Don’t drag the vatican into this.
This guy is a known PF cadre who used to support PF when they were ruling while criticizing HH then and has continued doing so even after they lost.
Our ArchBishop is in trouble. However God Almighty is our final judge. Even the Pope is not immune to His justice.