THE POPE REPRESENTATIVE, SAYS THE CHURCH WILL CONTINUE WORKING WITH GOVT. MEANWHILE ARCH. CHAMA HAS BEEN SUMMONED TO VATICAN
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Finally the Vatican has responded to the growing concerns affecting the local Church and has summoned the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishop President Archbishop Ignatius Chama.
Several clergy and lay faithful has expressed concern over what is going on in the Church, especially following the arrest of Archbishop Alick Banda for receiving a Toyota Hilux which belonged to ZRA.
APOSTOLIC Nuncio to Zambia Archbishop Gian Perici says cordial relations between Government and the Catholic Church are essential to ensuring that the needs of citizens are effectively addressed.
Archbishop Perici said the church will continue working closely with Government while advocating for the spiritual needs and justice of the people as authorities focus on addressing their social and economic challenges.
Lutanda Radio reports that Archbishop Perici said this in Kasama on Saturday when he paid a courtesy call on Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Phiri at the provincial administration.
He said it is the responsibility of the church to remain close to the people and understand the issues affecting them.
Archbishop Perici said he supports the cordial relationship between Government and the church, describing it as an important foundation for serving citizens better.
He said the Catholic Church has a duty to serve the spiritual needs of the people, while Government is responsible for addressing their economic and social needs.
Ms Phiri said the Apostolic Nuncio’s visit to Northern Province was significant because he represents the Pope.
She said the visit also demonstrated the cooperation between Government and the Catholic Church and recognised the important role religious institutions play in society.
Ms Phiri said the Catholic Church also reminds Government that people holding public office have a responsibility to serve citizens.
The Apostolic Nuncio was accompanied by Archbishop Ignatius Chama, Monsignor Dario, Vicar General for the Archdiocese of Kasama, Very Reverend Father Rodgers Fikwamo, Very Reverend Father Victor Shikaputo, and Very Reverend Father Jones Chitalu.
Meanwhile, former Special Assistant for Policy and Project Implementation to President Levy Mwanawasa, Jack Kalala, says the arrest of Archbishop Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission should not be portrayed as an assault on the Catholic Church.
Mr Kalala acknowledged that the arrest of a senior Catholic cleric is an unusual development in Zambia, but said it should be handled within the normal legal framework.
Archbishop Banda is expected to return to court on November 3 this year for trial after pleading not guilty to possessing a Toyota Hilux suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.
The Drug Enforcement Commission alleges that between April 22, 2021 and December 27, 2023, Archbishop Banda was found in possession of a blue Toyota Hilux, registration number ALF 7734, which was reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority.