Regional Catholic Bishops Back Archbishop Banda, Call For Fair And Transparent Process Two regional Catholic bodies, the Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI) and the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), have declared…

Regional Catholic Bishops Back Archbishop Banda, Call For Fair And Transparent Process

Two regional Catholic bodies, the Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI) and the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), have declared solidarity with Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda and appealed to Zambian authorities to guarantee him a fair and transparent process as his case moves through the courts. In separate communiqués, the bishops said they were troubled by his arrest and the legal proceedings against him, and called for due process and respect for human dignity.

ACBC-MAZAZI, in a communiqué signed by its president, Rt Rev Raymond Mpandasekwa, said it was expressing profound sadness and deep concern over the proceedings, the arrest and the detention of the Archbishop. It said it stood in unwavering fraternal solidarity with him and extended spiritual support to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Lusaka, as well as the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB). The association represents the Catholic bishops of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Its appeal to the authorities was direct. “We earnestly appeal to the relevant authorities and the legal framework of Zambia to guarantee Archbishop Banda a fully just, transparent and due process in accordance with both national laws and international legal norms,” the association said. The bishops added that the Catholic Church consistently upholds the rule of law, respects national sovereignty and recognises the role of civil institutions. They stressed, however, that justice must be administered with fairness, transparency and respect for human rights and human dignity.

The regional bishops also appealed for calm. They urged the faithful and the wider public to reject any form of escalation and to pursue dialogue. “We urge all parties, the faithful and the wider public to remain calm, united and prayerful, rejecting any forms of escalation while pursuing the path of constructive dialogue and mutual respect,” ACBC-MAZAZI said.

The ZCBC issued its own message, expressing fraternal solidarity and prayerful closeness to the ZCCB, Archbishop Banda and the Catholic Church in Zambia. The Zimbabwean bishops said they had followed developments with concern, from the Archbishop’s appearance before the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) on 28 September to his arrest and appearance before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court. They noted that he pleaded not guilty and was subsequently released on bail.

The Zimbabwean bishops said the Church recognises the legitimate responsibility of state institutions to administer justice and uphold the rule of law. They said judicial procedures must nonetheless respect the rights of those involved. “The dignity of every human person requires that judicial procedures be conducted fairly and impartially, with full respect for due process and the rights of those involved. We therefore join you in praying that truth and justice may prevail,” the bishops said.

They said the bond between the two national conferences runs deeper than geography, resting on shared communion and mission under ACBC-MAZAZI. “When one local Church passes through a moment of difficulty, we cannot remain indifferent. Its joys and hopes, trials and anxieties become our own,” they said.

The ZCBC urged the clergy, religious and lay faithful in Zambia to remain united in prayer, peaceful in spirit and steadfast in hope as the judicial process continues. The bishops assured the Archbishop and the ZCCB of continued prayers and fraternity, entrusting them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.

Others have also spoken on the case. Movement for Economic Emancipation president Given Chansa questioned what public interest is served by prosecuting a prominent clergyman over a motor vehicle he received as a gift, and urged the State to discontinue the case. He said prosecutorial discretion requires that even where there is enough evidence to charge, a case should proceed only if it is in the public interest.

Former Cabinet minister Given Lubinda said in an interview that the Archbishop is a man of fixed abode and no flight risk. He found it hard to accept that Dr Banda spent a night in the Chimbokaila cells, and most of the following day, after bail was granted. Mr Lubinda said the Archbishop is not above the law.

The Archbishop pleaded not guilty and has been released on bail, and his case remains before the courts.