Zambia: Bishops Conferences of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe Meet To Enhance Pastoral Collaboration
The first sub-region consultative meeting for Catholic Bishops of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe has taken place this week in Lusaka with the President of the Republic of Zambia His excellence Edgar Chagwa Lungu gracing the official opening on February 3, 2020.
The Catholic Bishops of Malawi (ECM), Zambia (ZCCB) and Zimbabwe (ZCBC) alongside their Secretaries General among others delegates, have been meeting under the theme Enhancing Pastoral Collaboration of the Church in the sub region.
They took the opportunity to reflect on massages from various key people including the Holy Father, Pope Francis who in his message appealed for more effective proclamation of the Gospel and total pastoral care for God’s people.
Having considered the common factors shared among the three countries which during the British colonial rule were known as the Federal Government of Northern Rhodesia, Southern Rhodesia and Nyasaland such historical, cultural, political, religious and socio-economic, the three Conferences have resolved to enhance pastoral collaboration and conduct solidarity visits to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood among them by holding of meetings rotationally, to mention but a few.
Speaking during the opening of the meeting, the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia and Malawi Most. Rev. Gianfranco Gallane said the primary duty of a bishop is to announce the Gospel and commitment to the progress of human life in their countries.
of Lusaka Most Rev. Dr. Alick Banda
His Grace further reminded the Bishops to work for common good of mankind. His Excellency Edgar Lungu stressed that government is deeply grateful for the role the Catholic Church plays in national development.
“The Catholic Church has been a proponent of peace and unity among its congregants, and the entire nation. The Church has made significant strides by reaching out to all this country, holistically addressing the needs of our people. The evidence is there: one can go to any corner of this country, both in rural and urban areas, and witness the commendable work the Catholic Church is doing in addressing the needs of our people. There are not many areas where one would not find a Catholic school or health facility. Therefore, my government is deeply grateful and appreciative of the positive role the Catholic Church is playing to complement government’s efforts,” President Lungu said.
He reiterated government’s commitment to continue cherishing the strong partnership with the Church.
“My government will continue to cherish the strong partnership, which exists between the government and the Church, and looks forward to consolidating this collaboration. It is also my sincere hope that the Church and governments in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe will continue to serve the people with the unbroken commitment.” said President Lungu.
Mwenya Mukuka and Luke Chimwaza
