Catholic Bishops in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are advocating for active participation in solidarity-building initiatives as they establish a new regional forum named ACBC-MAZAZI. This effort is grounded in a shared history and aims to enhance collaboration among the Episcopal Conferences to strengthen pastoral effectiveness across the nations. The Bishops emphasize gradual development and call for ongoing support from the faithful in this endeavor.
Catholic Bishops from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have issued a call for the faithful in their nations to engage in collaborative activities aimed at enhancing solidarity and realizing an independent regional forum called the Association of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (ACBC-MAZAZI). This initiative, rooted in the historical shared experiences of the three nations, seeks to foster cooperation among the Episcopal Conferences for better pastoral effectiveness in the region. Emphasizing their commitment to gradual development, the Bishops acknowledged that while formalization of the association will take time, ongoing efforts are underway to identify collaborative areas.
In their joint statement, released on December 17, the Bishops reflected on a journey that began with a consultative meeting in February 2020. They noted how meetings over the past five years have facilitated deeper understanding and collaboration. The current call to action urges active participation from the members of each national conference to ensure a vibrant and effective body that promotes collaborative pastoral initiatives.
The Bishops also confirmed the seat of the new regional forum in Lusaka, Zambia, with the intent of incorporating additional members from beyond the sub-region when appropriate. They reiterated their pledge to keep the faithful informed about the developments of this Sub-Region initiative and invited continuous spiritual support for its realization. This effort aims not only to strengthen the unity among the Bishops but also to enhance the overall mission of evangelization within the region.
The initiative to establish ACBC-MAZAZI is a response to the historical and cultural commonalities shared by Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It seeks to provide a unified platform for Catholic Bishops in these nations to collaborate on pastoral matters and respond effectively to shared challenges. This movement also aligns with broader Church goals of enhancing evangelization through regional cooperation, illustrating the importance of solidarity in fulfilling the mission of the Church within their respective contexts.
In conclusion, the Catholic Bishops of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have articulated a clear vision for cooperation and solidarity through the establishment of ACBC-MAZAZI. Their emphasis on gradual development, active participation, and ongoing collaboration reflects a strategic approach to strengthening the Church’s presence and effectiveness in the sub-region. As they move forward, maintaining open avenues for communication and support among the faithful will be essential for the successful realization of this initiative.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
