Catholic Bishops Urge Solidarity among Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in New Initiative

Catholic Bishops in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have called for active participation in strengthening regional solidarity through the establishment of ACBC-MAZAZI. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration among the bishops for effective Gospel proclamation and pastoral care in the three nations. The process is expected to be gradual and calls for involvement from the faithful to achieve common goals.

On December 17, 2024, the Catholic Bishops of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe jointly issued a statement urging the faithful within their regions to engage in activities that promote solidarity, as part of their initiative to create an independent regional forum. This initiative, known as the Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI), seeks to enhance collaboration among the bishops for effective Gospel proclamation and pastoral care in these three neighboring Southern African nations.

Since the initial consultative meeting in February 2020, which took place in Zambia, the Episcopal Conferences of Malawi (ECM), Zambia (ZCCB), and Zimbabwe (ZCBC) have been working towards forming a cohesive sub-regional association. The bishops highlighted their shared historical and cultural foundations, stating, “We have more in common than we can imagine.” They emphasized the need for solidarity in addressing common challenges facing their congregations.

Though the process of formalizing the sub-regional association may be gradual, the bishops expressed their commitment to identify collaborative opportunities. They encouraged active participation from the faithful in various initiatives aimed at promoting pastoral effectiveness. Furthermore, they reiterated their previous decision to adopt a gradual approach in establishing ACBC-MAZAZI.

For effective operation, the bishops resolved to establish the headquarters of ACBC-MAZAZI in Lusaka, Zambia, and noted the willingness to include associate members from outside the sub-region as needed. In their call for spiritual solidarity, the bishops reassured the faithful of a continuous update on the progress of the initiative, emphasizing its importance in advancing evangelization efforts in their respective communities.

The Catholic Bishops’ initiative to form ACBC-MAZAZI is rooted in a desire for increased cooperation and solidarity among the three Southern African nations. The initiative originated from a commitment to work collaboratively for improved evangelization and pastoral care amidst shared challenges. The historical ties among Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe create a unique context for such an association, as they seek common solutions to socio-economic and religious issues affecting their communities. The bishops have made it clear that the formation process will be gradual, requiring the involvement of the faithful and defined short-term goals.

The collective call by the Catholic Bishops of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to foster solidarity reflects a significant step toward establishing a collaborative framework aimed at enhancing pastoral effectiveness within the region. Through the formation of ACBC-MAZAZI, the bishops express their commitment to a united effort in addressing the spiritual needs of their communities. By encouraging active participation from the faithful, the bishops seek to establish a firm foundation for the future of this regional forum, ensuring that it serves its purpose effectively as it evolves.

Original Source: www.aciafrica.org