ZAMBIA: Zambian Bishops Call for Greater Unity and Dialogue with Consecrated Religious
Sandra Kunda
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has encouraged consecrated men and women in Zambia to remain faithful to their vocation and committed to unity and collaboration in the Church.
In a message issued to mark the Day for Consecrated Life, observed on 2nd February 2026, ZCCB Bishop Director for the Consecrated in Zambia, Bishop George Zumaire Lungu of Chipata Diocese, said consecrated life remains a precious gift to both the Church and the nation.
Bishop Lungu commended consecrated men and women for their service to the people of Zambia, particularly in parishes, schools, hospitals, and communities, noting that their vocation is a visible sign of God’s love and commitment to the Gospel.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by consecrated persons in carrying out their mission and recalled concerns raised during an interactive meeting held at the Marian Shrine in Lusaka during the Jubilee celebrations of Consecrated Life last year.
The Bishop said consecrated men and women called for structured dialogue with Church leadership and government authorities to make their participation in the Church’s mission more effective and less burdensome.
He further emphasized that the Jubilee on Synodality underscored the importance of “walking together” as a local Church in fulfilling Christ’s mandate to preach the Word and serve the sick.
Bishop Lungu assured consecrated persons of the Bishops’ commitment to fostering collaboration in the spirit of synodality and reaffirmed the Conference’s pastoral support and prayers.
He concluded by urging consecrated men and women to renew their zeal, reminding them that their consecration is a vital gift to the Church and the nation.
END.
