ARCHBISHOP BANDA ENCOURAGES ZAMBIANS TO REMAIN HOPEFUL, PATIENT, AND COMMITTED TO FREEDOM
LUSAKA – Archbishop Alick Banda has encouraged Zambians to remain hopeful despite the country’s economic, social, and political challenges, reminding the faithful that genuine freedom is achieved through trust in God, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
The Archbishop reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to walking alongside the people of Zambia by proclaiming the Gospel, defending the dignity of every person, and promoting national unity founded on truth, justice, and mutual respect.
Speaking during today’s session of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Plenary Assembly at the Catholic Secretariat Chapel, Archbishop Banda reflected on the message of the Prophet Isaiah, drawing connections between the biblical call for God’s intervention and the realities many Zambians face today..
He explained that Isaiah witnessed a society where freedoms and liberties had steadily declined, prompting the prophet to place his hope in God while patiently awaiting liberation. Archbishop Banda said this experience mirrors the situation many citizens in Zambia continue to encounter.
«”As in our society in recent years, Isaiah has seen a great decline in the freedoms and liberties of the majority of Zambians. So, he prays and yearns for that day of liberation. He has learned a spirituality of waiting for God, trusting in Providence,” Archbishop Banda said.
The Archbishop observed that many people continue to struggle with economic hardship, increasing poverty, injustice, and uncertainty, leaving many yearning for a future marked by dignity, justice, and genuine freedom.
He stressed, however, that Isaiah’s response to suffering was not one of despair but of steadfast faith in God’s providence. According to Archbishop Banda, believers are called to remain confident that God is continually at work, even when freedom and justice appear distant.
He further explained that waiting on God should never be mistaken for passive acceptance but should instead be understood as an active expression of faith, trusting that God ultimately leads history toward justice, peace, and renewal.
Archbishop Banda encouraged Christians to remain patient while continuing to uphold truth, justice, and the common good, noting that God’s perfect timing has repeatedly brought renewal even after prolonged periods of hardship.
«”In the midst of our socio-economic and political storms, let us seek refuge in Jesus, who walks with us in our trials, offering rest to our weary souls. Let us stand united in the pursuit of justice, advocating for the oppressed and marginalized, and working towards a society where the cry for liberation is heard. The promised land of rest and freedom becomes a reality for all,” he said.»
The Archbishop also urged Christians not to give in to discouragement but to become beacons of hope within their families, communities, and across the nation.
He said authentic Christian hope inspires believers to promote justice, defend human dignity, and stand in solidarity with those whose rights and freedoms have been limited.
«”May we be vessels of hope and liberation, to bring light into the darkest corners of human experiences and lead others towards the ultimate promised land of God’s eternal rest and freedom,” Archbishop Banda said.»
He concluded by calling on the faithful to place their trust in God’s unfailing providence, expressing confidence that Zambia’s desire for greater freedom, peace, and justice will be realised through faith, perseverance, and the collective efforts of its people.
📷 ADL
Yes, Zambians, remain hopeful that what happened under PF will never happen again, while rogue fimo fimo was enjoying brown envelopes, only to wake up after the real storm has passed. Double standards!!
Declining freedoms? Really Archbishop Banda? How many people have been killed by the Police and through political violence under UPND compared to the many who lost their lives through the same means under PF? Nsama Nsama, Joseph Kaunda, Banda, Grayzar Matapa, Vesper, Chibulo, young pupil Mugala in addition to the over 50 lives that were lost because of the gassing saga. Youths were threatened to have their bones broken when they wanted to protest. They had to resort to a virtual protest.
Today, political parties are campaigning freely unlike in 2021 when only Mr. Lungu and his vice president, Mrs. Inonge Wina were allowed to campaign.
And you call this “declining freedoms”? Is this an honest assessment? How the mighty have fallen! The Catholic Church is no longer able to provide moral direction. It is the blind leading the blind. It has lost its saltiness.
