RB mourns Archbishop Spaita

Former president Rupiah Banda has described the late Archbishop Emeritus James Spaita as a man who led an exemplary life worth emulating.

Mr. Banda said Archbishop Spaita was a humble servant of God who dedicated his entire life to the salvation of humankind.

The former Head of State expressed hope that Zambians will continue to follow the path the late clergy man set by aspiring to live in accordance with biblical principles.

Mr. Banda said this in a message of condolences to Archbishop of Kasama Ignatius Chama and the Catholic Church in Zambia which was made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

And the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) said it has learnt with shock and utmost regret the demise of Archbishop Emeritus James Spaita.

MMD president Nevers Mumba said Archbishop Spaita served his church and the community with dignity and honour.

Dr. Mumba said Archbishop Spaita was dearly loved by his congregation.

He said in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today that the party was conveying its deepest condolences to the family of Archbishop Spaita and the Catholic Church in Zambia.

Archbishop Spaita, who died at Kasama General Hospital on Tuesday, will be buried tomorrow at Kasama’s St. John Cathedral grounds.

Archbishop Spaita, 80, was ordained as priest in 1962. He was appointed Bishop of Mansa in 1974, became Archbishop of Kasama in 1990 and retired in 2009.