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“Saying politics is not my concern is a lie”: Archbishop in Angola to Christians, Urges Socio-political Responsibility

Christians have the obligation to conduct themselves in ways that positively impact the social life of others as well as the political sphere, Archbishop Zacarias Kamwenho has said.

In his Monday, May 26 homily at the Chapel of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST), Archbishop Kamwenho, who was at the helm of Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Lubango before he retired in September 2009 at the age of 75, emphasized the commitment of every Christian to the social, political, and spiritual life of the nation.

“We are living in difficult times. We cannot turn a blind eye to the social crisis around us. It is not just the responsibility of politicians. Politics is the art of serving the common good—and we, as Christians, are responsible for that as well. Saying politics is not my concern is a lie,” the 90-year-old Angolan Catholic Archbishop said.

Reflecting on Angola’s 50th Independence Anniversary to be marked later in September, he underscored the need for renewed commitment from Christians to build a more just, peaceful, and inclusive Angolan society.

“Celebrating independence is also celebrating the freedom to build a better nation. But freedom without responsibility is empty. We must be active citizens, each one contributing from where they are,” Archbishop Kamwenho said.

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He reminded Angolans that true social transformation begins with personal conversion. The Catholic Archbishop said, “The first responsibility is to ourselves—becoming more just, more compassionate. Then, with our words and actions, we can help society move forward.”

“Being with Jesus is not just a beautiful phrase; it’s a lifelong commitment. Since baptism, we’ve been called to testify. Today, here and now, it’s our turn to be light in the world, especially in Angola,” the Archbishop emeritus of Lubango said.

He noted that witnessing the faith goes beyond words, adding, “It must be seen in how we love others, in the justice we pursue. Faith that is not shared, that doesn’t bring light to others, is not true faith.”

Archbishop Kamwenho called upon Christians to be active agents of change.

“Let us be living witnesses of Christ’s love, responsible citizens committed to justice and peace,” he said, and implored, “May Angola be a country where everyone lives in harmony, with opportunities for all, where we can trust our institutions and live with dignity. This is the mission the Lord entrusts to us, and we must fulfill it, each one in their place and time.”

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The Angolan Catholic Archbishop invoked the Holy Spirit as the source of courage and wisdom for faithful citizenship, saying, “Without Him, we do nothing. Let us ask Him to fill us with grace so we may live our faith with joy and responsibility.”

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.