By Wesley Omondi
LILONGWE, JULY 19, 2024 (CISA)—The Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have announced their intention to form a new regional body to be called the Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI).
This decision marks a significant development as the three conferences seek to establish a new regional association, breaking away from their current affiliations with the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) to which Malawi and Zambia are members and the Inter-Regional Meeting of the Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) that has Zimbabwe.
In their statement of intent after four days of meeting in Salima from July 15 to 19, the bishops declared “The three Conferences recommitted themselves to establish the Inter-regional Conference of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Given this bold step taken, the three conferences envision the formation of an independent Region.”
The formation of ACBC-MAZAZI is intended to be a gradual process, with short-term goals set as foundational steps towards achieving long-term objectives. There is no defined timeframe for when the new region will be fully operational. However, the conferences are committed to maintaining their current memberships in AMECEA and IMBISA until further notice.
“There will be short-term goals that will form the bedrock upon which at the opportune time long-term goals will be achieved. The three Conferences commit themselves to presenting this project to their respective regional bodies namely IMBISA and AMECEA. The membership of which they will uphold until further notice, ” affirmed the Bishops.
Pope Francis, through the Dicastery for Evangelization, has expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of unity and service among the three countries. He highlighted the need to build bridges and address social, economic, and environmental issues holistically.
“Building bridges fosters an inclusive and systematic vision for a sustainable society that equally addresses social, economic, and environmental issues. Continued participation, unity, and peace under divine guidance are essential for promoting the common good and dignity of all people within the Sub-Region,” stated the Holy Father.
Malawi’s President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, also voiced his support for the new regional conference. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a good relationship between the State and the Church and commended the Bishops for their efforts in supporting the people in crises.
“I want to thank the Sub-Region countries for their support to Malawi during crises. I urge the Bishops to continue caring for the people, promoting integrity, ethical standards, and professionalism to help everyone improve,” said Dr Chakwera.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Malawi and Zambia, Archbishop Gian Luca Perici, encouraged the Bishops to provide spiritual support and to strive for unity in their mission. He also called for the consecration of the Sub-Region to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“There is a need for spiritual support to the people entrusted in their care and a more unified commitment which must strive to bring the joy of the risen Lord to the people within the Sub-Region,” said Archbishop Perici.
During their plenary session, the Bishops passed several resolutions, including the approval of statutes and operational guidelines for ACBC-MAZAZI. The new secretariat for the Sub-Region will be based in Lusaka, Zambia, and provisions were made to include other members outside the Sub-Region as associates when requested.
“The name of the Association shall be: Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI),” the Bishops resolved.
