The Office of the Bishop of the Diocese of Mansa has been receiving diverse and mixed
reactions to the circulation of a report on various social media platforms concerning a
fundraising event held on Saturday, 31st May 2025, in Samfya. This event was reportedly
conducted in preparation for the 120th anniversary celebration since the establishment of the
first Catholic Mission station at Lubwe, in the present day Chifunabuli District, scheduled for
28th June 2025.
According to the report, it was publicly announced during the event that the
President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, pledged to contribute K800,000 towards the celebration.
In addition, the Honourable Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Engineer Peter Kapala,
aspiring candidate for the United Party for National Development (UPND) parliamentary seat
for Chifunabuli Constituency, who was the guest of honour at the function – pledged 200 bags
of 25kg mealie meal and two cows.
The Diocese wishes to make it clear that the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga, OFM Conv.,
had expressly advised the Parish Priest against proceeding with the fundraising event until
clarity was provided regarding the perceived partisan political overtones in its organization.
Regrettably, the event went ahead without the consent or blessing of the Bishop.
While the Church values acts of generosity and goodwill, the Diocese of Mansa, guided by a
sense of pastoral responsibility and ecclesial integrity, will not accept the aforementioned
donations. This decision is informed not by ingratitude, but by a conscientious commitment to
uphold the impartiality and moral authority of the Church. The context and manner in which
these pledges were made risk compromising the Church’s long-standing position of political
neutrality and inclusivity.
A DIOCESE THAT EMBRACES EVERY ONE WITH CHRIST’S LOVE