Catholic Bishops Express Solidarity With Archbishop Alick Banda Ahead of DEC Appearance

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops has expressed solidarity with Archbishop Alick Banda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka, as he appeared before the Drug Enforcement Commission on Monday.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on 28 September 2026, the ZCCB said it was standing with Archbishop Banda "together with the Catholic faithful and people of goodwill" as he appeared before the DEC that day. The bishops said the appearance was confirmed through a joint press statement released by the Drug Enforcement Commission and Zambia Police Service on 27 September 2026.

"We affirm our deep respect for his pastoral ministry and his tireless dedication to the service of the Church and the nation," the statement read. "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."

The bishops described Archbishop Banda as someone who "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," adding that his witness strengthened their resolve to uphold 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," the statement said. "May this trial not diminish but rather deepen our collective commitment to truth, justice and the common good in Zambia."

The ZCCB exhorted Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to continue praying for calm, peace and unity in the nation.

The statement, titled "ZCCB Statement of Solidarity with Archbishop Alick Banda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka," was headed with a quote from Matthew 26:38, "Stay here and keep watch with me." It was issued for immediate release and signed on behalf of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops by its president, Most Rev. Ignatius Chama, Archbishop of Kasama, on 28 September 2026, described in the statement as "the eve of the Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Patrons of Zambia."