Summary
Zambia Catholic bishops have issued a pastoral letter instructing priests to avoid engaging in partisan politics ahead of August’s presidential and general elections. The bishops emphasized that clergy should remain neutral, refraining from supporting any political party or candidate, as the Church’s role is to promote common good and truth. This directive comes amid preparations for the elections, which are expected to intensify competition among political parties. In Vietnam, a report indicates a critical shortage of missionary priests despite significant vocational growth within the Catholic community. The local church faces challenges in reaching rural areas where it is heavily concentrated in urban centers. Bishop Petrus Po from UCA News suggested that more priests should be sent to underserved regions to encourage “Every Christian as a Missionary Disciple” by 2026. In Pakistan, rising violence between militant separatist groups and security forces has affected Christians. A Catholic man named Amar Mansoor Bhatti reported gunfire and explosions from an armed clash that left over 190 people dead in his area for more than eight hours, causing residents to stay indoors out of fear until Sunday morning. In Kenya, auxiliary Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe of the Wote Diocese issued a warning against politicians showing disrespect to places of worship. He stated such actions mock God and undermine sanctity, following an incident where Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was attacked during a church service in Othaya.
Key Topics
Zambia, Bishops, Partisan politics
