ZAMBIA: Catholics Should Radiate Moral Uprightness, says -Bishop Kasonde

Mwenya Mukuka

The Bishop of Solwezi Catholic Diocese Rt. Rev. Charles Kasonde has reminded Christians of Pope Francis’ call to seriously look at the situation of abuse in Church and society.

Bishop Kasonde noted that the Catholic Church has been singled out in the cases of abuse of children and vulnerable people, not that it is a worst sinner, but because of what it is.

He explained that the Catholic Church is a mirror that stands erect in the world hence remaining susceptible.

“If the Catholic Church is a mirror, it should reflect the image of uprightness and be a champion of ethical teachings enshrined in Catholic Social Teaching and Holy Scriptures,” he said.

Bishop Kasonde who is also AMECEA Chairperson regretted the huge number of reports of abuse worldwide, calling this development as unfortunate.

He further said because of such reports, irreparable damage has been done and that the situation is not getting any better to some extent.

In reference to a recent report of abuse cases in France, Bishop Kasonde said that though the African culture is different and maybe considered a little bit privileged, elements of abuse by African church leadership may be there especially in the manner it exercises its authority and conduct.

Bishop Kasonde said this when he opened a workshop aimed at providing orientation on ‘safeguarding’ to all priests and Religious Brothers and Sisters that are working in his Diocese.

The workshop which was themed ‘Towards Safe Environments in all institutions of the Church in Solwezi Diocese’, started on the 11^th to 13^th October 2021.

The workshop also looked at creating and strengthening the Diocesan safeguarding structures at all levels including formulation of safe, accessible, inclusive feedback and complaints handling mechanisms.

Supported by Porticus through a Safeguarding project they are funding under Caritas Solwezi and CAFOD through the National Safeguarding Office, the first workshop drew 42 priests and Brothers as participants.

The second workshop has already been planned and will target Religious Sisters.