President Rupiah Banda has said Catholic Bishops have a divine obligation to comment on issues of national importance because they were shepherds of the people.
President Banda said Catholic Bishops, through the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), were free to encourage government to perform better.
ZANIS Ndola reports that President Banda made the observation this morning during the installation of the new Bishop of Ndola Diocese, Alick Banda at the Cathedral of Christ the King Church in Ndola.
Mr. Banda explained that government was ready to listen to the church especially on constructive issues which were healthy to the development of the nation.
He however noted that what was improper was the tendency by some members of the clergy who personalized their disagreements with government on certain issues and began to attack individuals, him inclusive, using the media.
He said the attacks tended to create an impression that a rift exists between government and the church.
Mr. Banda further called on the church to remain committed in promoting peace in the country, adding that the church must take up its role of being neutral at all times.
President Banda also commended the Catholic Church for partnering with government in the health and education sectors.
He said he was grateful that the Catholic Church was currently operating 10 hospitals, 38 health centres and a number of schools in the country.
Meanwhile, President Banda has directed the Minister of Finance and National Planning to meet with the clergy and determine acceptable levels of resources which should go to the church’s education and health institutions in next year’s budget.
President Banda has since encouraged the newly installed Bishop to listen to the people.
And speaking earlier, ZEC president George Lungu said the Catholic Church in Zambia will continue to partner with government on issues that promote human dignity.
Bishop Lungu said the church will further continue to dialogue with government on developmental issues affecting the nation.
Meanwhile, newly installed Bishop Alick Banda called on church members to work with him especially in the area of evangelism.
Bishop Banda said Christ had inspired people to be committed to the plight of the poor in society and called upon everyone to realize that they had a duty to accompany people to find their way to God.
He pledged not to pursue a personal in his duties but to do the will of God.
And outgoing Bishop Noel Oregan thanked the Zambian community for having worked with him and accepting him whole heartedly.
Bishop Banda is the first Zambian to be appointed Bishop of the Ndola Diocese.
ZANIS
constructive criticism includes advising you to reduce on your flying obsession.
icho am glad he has now become a local tour guide, kip it up rb, from president you will get your much hoped for post and promotion as minister of tourism. deuces bane:)>-
p.s guys am in a ka problem i cant really explain it here but i will just put it in a song context: ngamwalinjebele mayooooooooooooo!
please help
Point of correction LT:
the late Bishop Dennis de Jong is the first Zambian Bishop of Ndola Diocese.
Alick Banda is the the second.
As long as human dignity and the five basic human needs are promoted in Zambeziland, the government of the day will be encouraged. Should any of these miss, the Church of Christ will not keep quiet. Bishop Banda, keep the fire of Christ burning. God bless Ndola Diocese.
I doubt if Bishop Banda will fit into the late Bishop de Jong’s shoes. de Jong was just great as a leader and he always and fearlessly spoke for the people. By the way, de Jong had Ngoni roots just like Archbishop Milingo.
Ba Chanda,
The late Bishop Dennis Harold De jong was of German parentage.Ordained in Italy from the order of the Franciscan
The opposite of constructive criticism is destructive criticism. So far i have not seen any entity that has been destructive but MMD.
#5 Nemwine, Bishop Banda is a dark in complexion and late de Jong was coloured. However, they both hail from the Eastern part of Zambeziland.
Dennis De Jong was born 2nd May 1931 near Chipata. The first child in a family of five children. In 1938 he started primary schooling at Chipata Primary School. He completed secondary education at St. John’s High School in Harare (School for coloured children). Did Priestly training and formation in Rome, Italy 1952-1958. Ordained as Diocesan priest on 20th December 1958. 1959 to 1960 he studied education in London after which he was appointed Rector of Francisdale Minor Seminary in Kangonga -Ndola. He worked as Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Ndola from 1967 to 1970 and was appointed bishop 0th July 1975
# 7 that’s true history so the late Bishop was a Zambian, Congratulations Fr Alick Band. He was my parish priest he did very well am sure he will do a better Job, may the Almighty take care of you.
Bishop Alick Banda is not the first Zambian to be appointed Bishop of Ndola Diocese! The late Bishop Dennis De Jong was the first Zambian. His mother hailed from Chipata while his Father was Dutch! Like Obama, De Jong was the first black person to become the Bishop of Ndola diocese. And definitely, he was Zambian!