Lifestyle
Step aside archibishop told
Catholic-aligned MPs say Archbishop Alick Banda should step aside from pastoral duties while he defends himself against charges of possessing property suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.
Picture: Times of Zambia
Some Catholic Church-aligned Members of Parliament (MPs) have told embattled Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda to temporarily recuse himself from active pastoral duties, while he defends himself on matters brought against him in the courts of law.
Nominated Member of Parliament (MP) Noel Nkoma, Kazungula North MP Clement Andeleki and Rufunsa MP Sheal Mulyata told the Times of Zambia in separate interviews that the senior Catholic cleric should take leave from his position while he answered to the charges.
Archbishop Banda is facing a case of possession of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained, charges which the MPs described as grievous in nature.
He was arrested on September 28, 2026 and charged by the Drug Enforcement Commission with possession of property reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained, contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
And the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, stating that no person was above the law regardless of their position, profession or religious office.
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Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said it was important for the Government to make a clear distinction between the Church and individual clerics.
He added that the Church remained respected as a faith community with a long history of providing spiritual guidance, social services and contributing to national development.
Mr Nkoma said that Archbishop Banda had embarrassed the Church and accused him of portraying himself as a politician.
“I don’t know why the Pope has allowed him to soil the entire Mission,” Mr Nkoma said.
Dr Andeleki said that it was morally appropriate for a church leader facing serious criminal charges to temporarily vacate the altar, until the matter was concluded.
Dr Andeleki said that Archbishop Banda should refrain from presiding over Mass and other church functions, while the case remained active.
He said that those entrusted with delivering the word of God should be morally upright and beyond reproach.
Source: Times of Zambia — Read more
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