INFORMATION and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa apologised to the Catholic Diocese of Chipata during the Holy Thursday Mass in Chipata on April 17, 2025, following tensions sparked by his remarks in March that government would begin responding to Auxiliary Bishop Gabriel Msipu Phiri in his individual capacity, rather than as a representative of the Church.
This was after the Bishop Phiri questioned government’s promises over the Chipata-Lundazi road.
Earlier the same holy week, the minister held a four hour closed-door meeting with Bishop Phiri to restore relations and reaffirm government’s respect for the Church’s role in national dialogue.
Mweetwa reconciled with the Bishop and the Diocese of Chipata at large during the Holy Thursday Mass at St Anne’s Cathedral, presided over by Bishop George Lungu.
The minister stated that the reconciliation and the long travel from Lusaka to Chipata was guided by President Hakainde Hichilema whom he said valued dialogue among leaders.
The reconciliation also came in recognition of Easter where Christians are advised to love and forgive one another just as Christ loved the church.
He assured that government would continue to engage the church in a respectful manner as it were the moral compass of society.
Chipata Diocese Bishop George Lungu who presided over the Mass and represented Bishop Phiri welcomed the minister’s apology and praised it as a symbolic act of humility.
Bishop Lungu stated that the church would continue to be the voice of the voiceless when it comes to seeking government’s intervention.
The Bishop further stated that leaders should normalise saying sorry and embracing dialogue whenever they are wrong.
Story and pictures by Catherine Pule
CAPTION PHOTO: Mweetwa and Bishop Lungu during mass.
Kalemba, December 31, 2025
