The Catholic Bishops in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have called for active participation from their communities to support the establishment of the Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI). After initial meetings, they aim to enhance collaboration for effective Gospel proclamation while acknowledging the gradual nature of this initiative. They have designated Lusaka, Zambia, as the headquarters for ACBC-MAZAZI and urge congregations to participate actively in upcoming activities.
Catholic Bishops from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have issued a call for active participation among their populations to cultivate solidarity within their emerging regional association known as the Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI). This initiative was formally launched during a consultative meeting in February 2020 and aims to enhance collaboration for effective Gospel proclamation across the three countries. The Bishops highlighted their shared history and common challenges, encouraging the faithful to support communal efforts toward pastoral initiatives.
During their assembly in July 2024, the Bishops reaffirmed their commitment to a gradual approach towards formalizing this sub-regional association, recognizing that while immediate collaborative projects are necessary, a fully integrated organization will take time to establish. They emphasized that the initiative aims to unite efforts and resources for the greater benefit of their communities, which they believe will be a vital endeavor in their mission of evangelization. Following this, they selected Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, as the headquarters of ACBC-MAZAZI and expressed their intent to incorporate external members as associates when appropriate.
The Bishops remain dedicated to keeping their congregations well-informed regarding the evolution of the ACBC-MAZAZI as it develops. They anticipate that this structure will serve a significant purpose in enhancing evangelization activities and fostering unity and collaboration within the region. They urge their congregants to engage with the new initiatives as the Bishops commit to guiding and nurturing this upcoming organization alongside their communities.
The initiative for the formation of ACBC-MAZAZI emerged from collaborative discussions initiated in 2020 among the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These discussions sought to address the regional challenges faced by the Church and enhance pastoral effectiveness through solidarity and cooperation. The decision to establish a separate sub-regional association underscores a shared commitment to collaboration among the three nations, recognizing their collective history and interrelated social concerns.
The Catholic Bishops of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have articulated a clear vision for fostering solidarity through the establishment of ACBC-MAZAZI. This initiative represents a progressive step towards enhanced collaboration and effective evangelization across the three countries. As the Bishops navigate this process, they encourage active engagement from their congregations, recognizing the importance of community participation in the successful realization of their shared goals.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
