Zambian Catholic Bishop Decries Growing Disregard for Church, Calls for Solidarity with Church Ministers

Lusaka, 02 December, 2025 / 3:48 PM

The Bishop of Zambia’s Catholic Diocese of Mpika has decried what he describes as “a growing disregard” for the Church and its ministers in the Southern African nation.

In his message for the season of Advent, Bishop Edwin Mwansa Mulandu said the trend should not be tolerated, especially as Zambia “remains a Christian nation.”

“Some political agents have continued to show disrespect for the spiritual leaders of the Church, attempting to diminish the sacredness of the Church and the dignity of our Priests, Bishops, and Pastors,” Bishop Mulandu said in his reflection on Sunday, November 30.

He encouraged the people under his pastoral care to unite in their support for the Clergy and all who minister in the Lord’s vineyard, emphasizing that Church ministers “are the voice of the voiceless, the voice of truth, justice, and love.”

“It is your duty to stand with them, pray for them, and protect their dignity and mission,” the Zambian Catholic Church leader said, noting that the “rise of secularism,” a challenge he had previously underscored in his 2025 Lenten message, is also concerning.

“People are increasingly drawn to secular concerns at the expense of spiritual values,” he said, and added, “As a result, we are witnessing the erosion of essential human values such as compassion, forgiveness, justice, and love.”

He said that selfishness has become the order of the day, leading to a breakdown in communal care and solidarity in the country.

This trend, together with the growing disregard for the Church, Bishop Mulandu said, “demand our attention, prayers, and action as we seek to live the message of the Gospel more fully.”

In his November 30 Advent message, the ZambianCatholic Church leader, who has been at the helm of the Mpika Episcopal See since July 2021, reflected on the significance of the Advent season describing it as “a time of expectant waiting, quiet reflection, and renewed hope.”

He said Advent is an invitation to prepare hearts for the coming of Christ, “He who reconciles, who heals, who makes all things right, and who unites.”

The Bishop said the theme of the new liturgical year, which commenced on November 30, would be ‘Witnesses of Hope, Justice, Peace, and Unity.’

Bishop Mulandu observed that the theme is not only spiritually fitting for the season of Advent but also “providentially timely for the year ahead.”

“During this same liturgical year, our nation will participate in important general elections, a moment that naturally stirs strong emotions, differing opinions, and at times, division,” he said.

The Local Ordinary of the Mpika invited the people of God to embrace the outlined theme throughout the Liturgical year, saying, “Let it guide your Advent meditations, inspire your ministries, and shape the Christian witness we offer to our nation during this significant time.”