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Catholic Archbishop Urges Zambians to Remain Steadfast in Faith amid Political Tensions, Economic Uncertainties

Archbishop Benjamin Phiri of Ndola Archdiocese. Credit: Ndola Archdiocese

Zambians are grappling with a myriad of socio-economic and political challenges including that are also straining family relations, Archbishop Benjamin Phiri of Ndola Archdiocese has observed, and called on the faithful to remain firm in their faith despite the hardships they face. 

In his Advent message issued on Sunday, December 1, Archbishop Phiri reminded the faithful that Christian life is anchored in faith, urging them to “walk by faith, not by sight.” 

He Archbishop observed that year's Advent season for Zambia has come at a time when the country is grappling with a hard economy, uncertainties surrounding climate change such as poor rainfall, rising political tensions, as well as severe load-shedding that he said had pushed many people out of business.

He also highlighted what he described as deteriorating moral values in society as well as falling apart of Christian marriages due to high infidelity levels among other evils, and said, “These issues have made many people to panic and consequently, some are losing faith in God.”

“I invite you to remain steadfast in your faith. The Lord is reassuring us through the Prophet Jeremiah that he shall indeed see us through all the debilitating economic, social, and spiritual maledictions,” the Catholic Church leader said.

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Archbishop Phiri encouraged Zambians to hold fast to their faith, even in the face of trials. 

He cited the words of St. James, who he said reminds Christians to “count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

The Archbishop emphasized that trials should bring the faithful closer to God, rather than lead them away.

In his message, Archbishop Phiri also underscored the importance of “actively waiting for God's promises.”

“While God is steadfast in His faithfulness, human cooperation is necessary for the fulfillment of those promises,” the Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in January 2011 as Auxiliary Bishop of Zambia’s Chipata Diocese said, and urged the faithful in the country to prepare for Christmas with prayer and repentance.

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Archbishop Phiri invited Zambians to be steadfast in faith, and to be true instruments of peace in the society by staying away from all forms of violence and evil.

“Let us promote unity in our society as we continue to strive for holiness,” the Archbishop said in his Advent message.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.