By 
The Catholic Church in Mansa, Luapula Province, has rejected donations from politicians — including President Hakainde Hichilema — towards the upcoming celebration of the Lubwe Mission’s 120th anniversary.
President Hichilema reportedly pledged to contribute K800,000 to the event, scheduled for June 28, 2025, through Fisheries and Livestock Minister Peter Kapala.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday by Mansa Diocese Vicar General, Fr. Felix Chifumbe, Bishop Patrick Chisanga advised against accepting these donations.
“According to reports, it was publicly announced during the fundraising event that President Hichilema pledged K800,000 towards the celebrations. Additionally, Mr. Kapala — an aspiring candidate for Chifunabuli Constituency — pledged 200 by 25 kg bags of mealie meal and two cows,” the statement read.
The Diocese clarified that Bishop Chisanga had expressly advised the Parish Priest not to proceed with the fundraising event until clarity was provided concerning the perceived partisan political overtones associated with its organisation.
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Regrettably, Fr. Chibuye noted, the event went ahead without the Bishop’s consent or blessing. He added that while the Church appreciated acts of generosity and goodwill, the Diocese of Mansa — guided by pastoral responsibility and ecclesial integrity — would not accept the aforementioned donations.
“This decision is not driven by ingratitude, but by a conscientious commitment to uphold the impartiality and moral authority of the Church,” the statement read.
The Church further expressed concern that the context and manner in which the pledges were made risked compromising its long-standing stance on political neutrality and inclusivity.
“The Diocese of Mansa reiterates its unwavering commitment to collaboration, dialogue, and mutual respect with government at both local and national levels. However, such cooperation must always be grounded in transparency, inclusiveness, and the non-partisan character of the Church’s mission,” Fr. Chifumbe emphasized.
He reaffirmed the Bishop’s desire for the June 28 celebrations to be held in a deeply spiritual atmosphere of thanksgiving to God for 120 years of Catholic witness to the Gospel of Christ, and the Church’s contribution to the holistic development of the people of Luapula Province and Zambia at large.
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