“I have been threatened face-to-face by people due to my forthright discussions. These threats aim to intimidate and tarnish my image and that of the Church. However, I take full responsibility for everything I say. I am not anyone's mouthpiece,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop, who serves as the President of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) said.
He emphasized his mission to advocate for the rights of the marginalized and uphold human dignity, saying, “For the poor, marginalized, and those deprived of their rights, I will continue to fight in the name of the Gospel, of which I am a servant.”
Despite the sacrifices and challenges he faced in his 33 years of Priesthood, Archbishop Imbamba described the ministry as a “beautiful and rewarding vocation.”
However, he admitted that much work remains to be done in combating societal injustice and fostering fraternity in the country.
“We have not fully awakened consciences or presented the truths needed to purify the inhuman tendencies we carry,” he said.
As Angola approaches its 50th independence anniversary, Archbishop Imbamba expressed disappointment in the direction the country was taking.
“This is not the Angola our nationalist founders envisioned. The bloodshed and sacrifices made were not for this reality,” the Angolan Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in December 2008 as Bishop of Angola’s Dundo Diocese said.
He faulted the dominance of partisan interests over patriotism, calling for national unity.
“Patriotism should prevail. Angola’s interests must come before party interests,” Archbishop Imbamba said, and added, “Today, we serve political parties more than we serve our nation. It is time for our leaders to foster harmony and guide us out of this state of disarray, helping us rediscover our social, cultural, and national identity.”
“It is time to rethink our country, citizenship, ideologies, and vision for a just and inclusive nation,” he said.
