SECAM MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY TO THE ZAMBIA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
SECAM MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY TO THE ZAMBIA CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
Accra, 01 October 2026
H. E. Ignatius Chama,
Archbishop of Kasama,
President of Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB)
Your Grace,
On behalf of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), we wish to express our fraternal solidarity and prayerful closeness to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), and in a particular way to His Grace Dr. Alick Banda, Archbishop of Lusaka, at this challenging moment in the life of the Church in Zambia.
We have learned with great concern of the recent proceedings involving Archbishop Banda,
following his appearance before the Drug Enforcement Commission of Zambia on 28 September 2026 in connection with ongoing investigations.
We take note with appreciation of the clarification provided by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops that Archbishop Banda is not accused of involvement in the alleged disposal of the vehicle and that the vehicle in question was surrendered to the State in December 2023.
As the judicial process continues, the Catholic Bishops of Africa reaffirm the fundamental importance of justice, fairness, human dignity and due process. We trust that the competent institutions will discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the law, with respect for the rights and dignity of all those concerned, and in a manner that contributes to truth, justice and the common good.
We assure Archbishop Banda and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops of our continued prayers and fraternal support. We encourage the Catholic faithful in Zambia to remain calm, united and prayerful, placing their trust in God as the judicial process unfolds.
May the Lord grant Archbishop Banda strength and peace, guide all those entrusted with the proceedings, and sustain the Church in Zambia in her mission of proclaiming the Gospel and serving the people with truth, justice, peace and compassion.
As we enter, on 1 October, the Month of the Holy Rosary, we entrust Archbishop Banda, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops and the entire Church in Zambia to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church. May she obtain for them strength, peace, courage and hope during this time of trial, and may she accompany the Church in Zambia with her maternal care and protection.
Fraternally in Christ,
✠ Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo
Archbishop of Kinshasa,
President of SECAM
—
Signed Documents below:
