LUSAKA, MARCH 6, 2020 (CISA)-The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops has expressed an intention to create a fund that would be available for humanitarian missions.
According to the President of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), Rt. Rev. George Cosmas Zumaire Lungu, the fund is in preparation for natural calamities which have been prevalent in Zambia and her neighbours.
“This appeal is not only meant for the Catholic faithful and Catholic organizations. It is also addressed to all people of goodwill. You know what the Catholic Church means and does when she embarks on such a campaign in an effort to reach out to people in need,” he said.
The bishop urged Zambians to be proactive in dealing with calamities that take place due to climate change and invited them to be part of the National Campaign for contributions towards charity.
“When nature strikes, it does not respect rank, colour, tribe, creed and status. Time to prepare is now. Time to give and help is now. Be assured that your contributions, regardless of the amount, will be channeled to genuine beneficiaries in a very accountable and transparent manner,” said Bishop Lungu.
Bishop Lungu who was speaking during the launch national Lenten Campaign 2020 said that their initiative was response to Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI’s call for the faithful to do ordinary charity work in very extraordinary ways.
“Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reminds us that, ‘Service of charity is a constitutive element of the Church’s mission and an indispensable expression of her very being.’ He further said that all the faithful have the right and duty to devote themselves personally to living the new commandment that Christ left us with and to offer our contemporaries not only material assistance but also refreshment and care for their souls,” he said.
Amid the current socio-economic, political, cultural and religious challenges in the country, Bishop Lungu urged Zambians to break the chains of injustice, rid society of exploitation and to strive towards the ideal of living righteous lives.
