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Zambia’s Catholic Bishops Accept Media Apology, Emphasize Journalism’s “heavy social responsibility”

Credit: ZCCB
Silas Isenjia

By Silas Isenjia

Lusaka, 05 February, 2026 / 4:14 pm (ACI Africa).

Members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) have accepted a public apology from The Editor Zambia, an online news outlet in the Southern African nation, over a misleading article, and issued a reminder to media houses about the ethical weight of journalism and the need for rigorous fact-checking.

In a one-page statement dated Thursday, February 5, and signed by ZCCB President, Archbishop Ignatius Chama, the Catholic Church leaders confirmed that they had “received the formal, unreserved public apology” issued by The Editor Zambia on February 4, following the withdrawal of an article that falsely linked ZCCB members to partisan political activity.

“In the spirit of Christian charity and reconciliation, we wish to state that the ZCCB formally accepts the withdrawal of the statement and the subsequent apology,” Zambia’s Catholic Bishops have said.

They used the occasion to underline broader concerns about media ethics and social cohesion. 

“We strongly advise all media houses and editorial bodies to prioritize rigorous fact-checking before any publication is released to the public,” ZCCB members say, and add, “Journalism carries a heavy social responsibility; inaccurate reporting of this nature can easily cause disharmony and disrupt the peace of our nation.”

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The controversy stemmed from a February 2 article published by The Editor Zambia under the headline “Planned Conference Is Treasonous and Tribal.” 

The article accused Catholic Bishops in Zambia of involvement in the formation of a political movement described as “the government in waiting,” and alleged that ZCCB members were scheduled to host a meeting of a group referred to as the “National Conference of Democratic Change Advocates” on February 6.

ZCCB members swiftly rejected these claims in a February 3 statement, distancing themselves from partisan politics and clarifying the nature of their public engagement. 

“We, the Catholic Bishops, serve as a prophetic voice for society, offering guidance on issues of governance, morality, and spiritual matters according to our mandate as shepherds of God’s people,” they said.

They categorically denied “any involvement in the formation of any movement” and emphasized that “the ZCCB maintains a position of non-partisanship,” stressing that their interventions in public life are rooted in pastoral responsibility rather than political alignment.

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Following that rebuttal, The Editor Zambia withdrew the article and issued an apology, which the Catholic Bishops have now formally accepted. 

In closing their February 5 statement, ZCCB members have reaffirmed the Church’s broader mission, saying, “The Church remains committed to its mission of fostering unity, justice, and peace for all Zambians.”

“We consider this matter closed and hope it serves as a reminder of the need for mutual respect and integrity in public discourse,” they have added.

Silas Isenjia

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.

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