Zambian Catholic Bishop Calls for Stronger Malawi-Zambia-Zimbabwe Collaboration amid Regional Challenges

“As a sister Church in the region, Zambia shares the conviction that the synodal principles of participation, communion, and mission are essential for strengthening pastoral outreach and for responding to the challenges facing our people,” he said.

Warning against the effects of growing divisions and hardship, Bishop Kasonde said, “In a world marked by polarization, economic hardships and social fragmentation, the Church is called to be a sign of unity, a voice of justice and a servant of hope.”

Addressing the Plenary Assembly in the Catholic Archdiocese of Harare, which was held under the theme, “Implementing the Synod on Synodality: Translating Synodal Principles into Concrete Pastoral Actions,” the ZCCB representative expressed solidarity with the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe and assured the country’s Bishops of the prayers and support of the Church in Zambia.

“The Catholic Bishops of Zambia rejoice with you in this moment of grace as the Church in Zimbabwe continues to walk the synodal path,” he said.

Bishop Kasonde also encouraged Catholic Bishops in Zimbabwe to persevere in implementing synodality despite potential difficulties.

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“Implementation may encounter resistance, fatigue or misunderstanding. Yet every effort to work together as the People of God plants seeds of renewal that will bear fruit in God’s time,” Bishop Kasonde said.

Concluding his message, the Zambian Catholic Church leader expressed hope that the Holy Spirit would continue guiding the people of God in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as they deepen cooperation in service of the Gospel.

“May the Holy Spirit guide your reflections, inspire your decisions, empower your ministries, so that the Church in Zimbabwe may continue to shine as a beacon of faith, a defender of human dignity, and a builder of peace and communion,” he said.