MALAWI: Catholic Bishops of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to Convene to Address Shared Regional Issues, Progress Toward Forming Unified Bloc

By Wesley Omondi

LILONGWE, JULY 9, 2024 (CISA) – The sub-regional consultative meeting of the Catholic bishops from Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe is set to take place from July 15 to 19, 2024, in Salima, Malawi. This significant gathering aims to address various pressing challenges within the REGION, including inequality and environmental concerns.

According to an announcement by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), the host bishops, the sub-region conference will commence with an opening Mass on July 16,  at St. Ignatius Parish in Area 30, Police Headquarters. The Mass will be a significant event for welcoming the bishops from Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In detailing the activities of the meeting, ECM indicated that keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops will be integral parts of the conference, designed to address the theme “Building Bridges: Strengthening Faith, Unity, and Service,” and promote collaborative efforts.

They explained the sessions will explore various aspects of pastoral unity and solidarity amidst shared challenges in their region.

In 2023, Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, President of ECM and archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lilongwe intimated that the convening was to provide a platform for the bishops to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives that promote unity, spiritual growth, and social justice within their communities.

“This conference plays a vital role in fostering dialogue and strengthening the bonds among the three conferences across the region,” he said.

The sub-regional meeting includes the ECM, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), and the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) and aims to foster unity among the three different regions and promote collaboration on common issues