Catholic Bishops from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have urged congregants to actively participate in the formation of ACBC-MAZAZI to promote regional solidarity. The initiative, which began in February 2020, aims to enhance collaboration for effective Gospel proclamation. The Bishops stressed the importance of shared history and challenges while committing to gradual development, inviting participation from their communities to realize common pastoral goals.
On December 17, 2024, Catholic Bishops from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe issued a joint appeal for active participation among their congregants to foster solidarity and achieve the establishment of the Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI). This initiative originated from a consultative meeting in February 2020 aimed at enhancing collaboration among the three nations for more effective Gospel proclamation. The Bishops emphasized the importance of shared history and common challenges in nurturing this solidarity among the faithful.
Over the last five years, continuous meetings have highlighted the need to create a unified body to better serve the pastoral needs of their communities. The Bishops assured their congregations that the formalization of the Sub-Region would be a gradual process, inviting everyone to contribute to collaborative efforts that would arise from these initiatives. They reaffirmed that establishing a solid foundation through short-term goals would eventually facilitate the attainment of long-term objectives.
Located in Lusaka, Zambia, the ACBC-MAZAZI will not only strengthen the ties between these Conferences but may potentially extend its membership beyond the immediate region. The Bishops committed to keeping the faithful informed about developments in this new Sub-Region, advocating for active involvement and spiritual solidarity as they work toward realizing the proposed framework of cooperation in their ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
The initiative to create ACBC-MAZAZI reflects a broader movement among Catholic leaders to establish regional associations that enhance collaborative efforts in pastoral work. Since the inaugural meeting in February 2020, Catholic Bishops in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have sought to identify common ground in their history and current challenges to form a stronger collective. By fostering active participation from their congregants, these Bishops aim to improve governance and evangelization efforts in a unified approach, recognizing the strengths that collaboration can bring to their ministries.
In summary, the Catholic Bishops of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have called for a united effort toward establishing ACBC-MAZAZI, emphasizing the significance of solidarity and collaboration among the faithful. Their commitment to gradual development in this process, alongside the invitation for active participation from their congregations, highlights the importance of a collective approach to pastoral challenges. This initiative not only aims to strengthen regional ties but also seeks to enhance the effectiveness of Gospel proclamation in the Sub-Region.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
