By 
Catholic faithful and political leaders gathered Monday morning at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus for a solidarity Mass in support of Lusaka Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda, who has been summoned by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
The prayers were aimed at strengthening Archbishop Banda, who is expected to explain how a Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Toyota Hilux came into his possession. He is scheduled to appear at the DEC offices at 10:00 hours.
During the service, Lusaka Archdiocese Vicar General, Father Andrew Simpasa, assured congregants that Archbishop Banda would faithfully and “dutifully report” to the DEC after Mass.
On Saturday, January 3, 2026, the Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka directed all priests in the metropolitan area to read a solidarity message from the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) at Sunday Masses, coinciding with the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
“This serves to inform the faithful, religious and all parish priests in the Archdiocese of Lusaka that the ZCCB statement of solidarity with Archbishop Banda and the Catholic faithful in Zambia must be read by the presiding priest at all Masses during announcements,” Fr. Simpasa said.
He also invited the faithful to attend the special Mass at 08:00 hours, after which Archbishop Banda would report to the DEC in compliance with Zambian law.
DEC Director General Nason Banda dismissed claims that the summoning had political or religious motivations, emphasizing that the Commission was simply carrying out its statutory mandate.
“The summoning of Archbishop Banda should not be viewed through political or religious lenses,” he said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments