ZCCB STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITHARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA, METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOP OF LUSAKA. “Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38) We, members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, together with theCatholic faithful and people of goodwill, express our fraternal solidarity withArchbishop Alick Banda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka, as he appears before the Drug Enforcement […]

ZCCB STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH
ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA, METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOP OF LUSAKA.

“Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38)

We, members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, together with the
Catholic faithful and people of goodwill, express our fraternal solidarity with
Archbishop Alick Banda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka, as he appears before the Drug Enforcement Commission today, Monday 28th September 2026. This event was confirmed hrough a joint press statement released by the Drug Enforcement Commission and Zambia Police Service on 27th September 2026.

We affirm our deep respect for his pastoral ministry and his tireless dedication to the
service of the Church and the nation. In this moment, we recall the Church’s teaching
that every person is entitled to fairness, dignity, and due process. We therefore call
upon all concerned to ensure that these principles are upheld without prejudice or
intimidation.

Archbishop Banda has consistently spoken with courage and moral clarity, reminding
the faithful and society at large of our shared responsibility to build a society rooted
in integrity, unity and compassion.

His witness strengthens our resolve to uphold the values of justice and peace in Zambia.

As he undergoes this process, we accompany him with our prayers, asking the Lord to grant him fortitude, serenity and wisdom.

May this trial not diminish but rather deepen our collective commitment to truth, justice and the common good in Zambia.

We exhort the Catholic faithful and all people of good will to continue praying for calm, peace and unity in our nation.

Issued in Lusaka, this day, 28h September 2026, on the eve of the Feast of Archangels
Michael Gabriel and Raphael, Patrons of Zambia.

Signed for and on behalf of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).

Most Rev. Ignatius Chama,
Archbishop of Kasama and
President of ZCCB