African Catholic bishops back Banda’s claim that controversial car returned in 2023

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has expressed solidarity with Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, emphasising the need for justice, fairness, human dignity and due process.

The solidarity message followed Archbishop Banda’s recent appearance before the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and subsequent appearance in court after spending a night in detention in connection with ongoing investigations.

SECAM President and Kinshasa Archbishop, Fridolin Ambongo, said in a solidarity statement issued on Thursday that the continental Catholic body stood with the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) and Archbishop Banda.

“We take note with appreciation of the clarification provided by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops that Archbishop Banda is not accused of involvement in the alleged disposal of the vehicle and that the vehicle in question was surrendered to the State in December 2023,” Archbishop Ambongo said.

As the judicial process continues, Ambongo said the Catholic Bishops of Africa reaffirmed the fundamental importance of justice, fairness, human dignity and due process.

He said the continental church body was confident that competent institutions would discharge their responsibilities in accordance with the law while respecting the rights and dignity of all those concerned, and in a manner that contributes to truth, justice and the common good.

Ambongo assured Archbishop Banda and the ZCCB of continued prayers and fraternal support, while encouraging the Catholic faithful in Zambia to remain calm, united and prayerful as the judicial process unfolds.

“May the Lord grant Archbishop Banda strength and peace, guide all those entrusted with the proceedings, and sustain the Church in Zambia in her mission of proclaiming the Gospel and serving the people with truth, justice, peace and compassion,” he prayed.

“As we enter, on 1 October, the Month of the Holy Rosary, we entrust Archbishop Banda, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops and the entire Church in Zambia to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church.”

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