Wed, 31 Jan 2018 08:38:53 +0000
…Move timely and divine, says ZRP
By BENNIE MUNDANDO
THE Vatican has replaced Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu with Reverend Alick Banda, who has taken over as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka.
In a statement yesterday, the church announced the decision to replace Archbishop Mpundu with Right Reverend Banda, saying Archbishop Mpundu will continue as Apostolic Administrator until the new Archbishop takes up that position.
“The Apostolic Nunciature in Zambia informs that the Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed the Right Reverend Bishop Alick Banda as Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lusaka.
“His Grace Most Reverend Telesphore George Mpundu, the Archbishop of Lusaka, remains in charge of the Archdiocese as Apostolic Administrator until the new Archbishop takes possession of the Episcopal See of Lusaka,” read the press release in part.
And speaking to the Daily Nation after the announcement of changes by the Catholic Church yesterday, ZRP president Wright Musoma said the decision by the Pope was timely and a decision, no doubt made after the deepest reflection.
Mr. Musoma said in the recent months, he had been concerned by some of the Archbishop’s utterances which were often controversial and political.
“We understand the pressures of his office and therefore welcome the respite offered by the church,” Mr. Musoma said.
Meanwhile, Church of God Cathedral of Miracles Bishop Naison Nyonyo said while Archbishop Mpundu had led the church with immense wisdom all these years, it was sad that his ending was bad due to his political inclination, thereby raising concerns among church members.
“He has been a good leader for the church but somehow not fair over issues pertaining to the peace of this country. During the incarceration of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema, Archbishop Mpundu divided this country and misdirected the church,” Bishop Nyonyo said.
Last week, a horde of Catholic women at Saint Charles Lwanga (Regiment) Parish in Lusaka threatened to protest naked against the proposed transfer of their parish priest, Father Philip Phiri, accusing Archbishop Mpundu of making unilateral and wanton decisions aimed at humiliating some priests.
The women threatened to protest and disrupt Mass last Sunday to express their grievances over the impending transfer of Father Phiri and his assistant.
Archbishop Mpundu was born on May 21, 1947. He was ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Kasama on December 17, 1972. In 1987, Pope St. John Paul II appointed him Bishop of then Mbala-Mpika Catholic Diocese. He was then appointed coadjutor Archbishop of Lusaka in 2004 with the right of succession to replace the late Joseph Cardinal Mazombwe, which he did in 2006.
Archbishop Mpundu was first elected Zambia Episcopal Conference president in 1993 where he served for two terms and left office in 1999. He was elected later in 2002 and served in that capacity until 2008.
In 2014 and 2017 He was re-elected President of the now Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops.
