The Editor Zambia
The Catholic Church has long been regarded as an institution that champions moral values, forgiveness, tolerance, humility, and respect for differing opinions.
It is therefore concerning when questions arise about whether those entrusted with providing spiritual leadership are themselves prepared to practise these values, particularly when confronted with criticism. 
A revelation by Mcqueen Zaza concerning his exclusion from the Catholic Men’s League commissioning programme raises precisely these questions about Archbishop Alick Banda and the intolerance of dissenting opinions.
According to Zaza, he was informed by the Parish Executive of the Men’s League that he would no longer proceed with the commissioning programme and would have to wait for the next intake.
His alleged offence? Expressing an opinion on Facebook that Archbishop Banda should not allow his personal differences with the government to drag the entire Catholic Church into what he considered essentially personal disagreements.
What makes the development particularly disturbing is the explanation Zaza says he received. He was reportedly considered unsuitable for commissioning at this stage because the person he had criticised was the same person expected to commission him.
His testimony raises serious questions about the relationship between spiritual leadership, personal sensitivities, and freedom of expression within the Church.
One would have expected Archbishop Banda, as a senior clergyman, to appreciate that criticism is part of public discourse and that people are entitled to hold different opinions, including opinions that may be uncomfortable for those in positions of authority.
Indeed, religious leaders are not above criticism. They are public figures whose pronouncements and conduct inevitably attract scrutiny, particularly when their interventions touch on national affairs and the relationship between the Church and government.
The irony in this situation, as Zaza observes, is that Archbishop Banda has himself been associated with calls for tolerance and respect for differing opinions in the country’s political environment.
Why, then, should someone who disagrees with him be made to feel unwelcome in a Church programme?
There is a fundamental difference between respecting the authority of the Church and demanding unquestioning personal loyalty to its leadership.
The two should never be confused. The Church is a spiritual institution, not an extension of an individual’s personality, and its membership should not be expected to surrender their right to independent thought.
What is particularly troubling is the suggestion that an ordinary member’s suitability for a Church commissioning programme could be affected by his criticism of a senior cleric.
Commissioning should be about commitment to Christian values, service, spiritual maturity, and dedication to the Church. It should not become a reward for agreeing with the Archbishop or any other Church leader.
Sure, the Parish Executive also needs to explain the criteria used to determine his unsuitability. Was there a genuine disciplinary concern, or was his exclusion simply a consequence of expressing an opinion about the Archbishop? These are important questions that deserve clear answers.
Archbishop Banda should also recognise that criticism does not necessarily amount to disrespect or hostility. One can disagree with Church leaders while remaining a committed Catholic. In fact, constructive criticism can be an expression of concern for the institution and its reputation.
There is also a wider lesson here about the Church’s relationship with the government. The Catholic Church has every right to speak on matters of national importance, governance, justice, and human rights.
However, it must equally recognise that its members can hold different views about how that engagement should be conducted.
No individual, regardless of ecclesiastical position, should be mistaken for the entire Church.
Ultimately, the Gospel teaches humility, forgiveness, and love. These values must apply not only when Church leaders are addressing the government or society but also when dealing with their own members.
If Archbishop Banda expects tolerance from those who disagree with him, he must be prepared to extend the same courtesy to others.
The Church cannot credibly preach tolerance while appearing to punish dissent. Spiritual authority should inspire respect through wisdom and example, not through the silencing of uncomfortable opinions.
