Bishop Edwin Mulandu opens priests' formation workshop on marriage legislation

Bishop Edwin Mulandu opened a three-day workshop for priests from the Diocese of Mpika to study marriage legislation according to Canon Law 83. Held at the Institute of Christian Leadership, the training aims to help priests better support couples and families by strengthening their understanding of Church law.

During his opening address, Bishop Mulandu said Church marriage laws serve to protect the dignity and sanctity of Christian marriage rather than acting as a simple list of rules. He encouraged the participants to balance legal knowledge with pastoral charity. The bishop urged the priests to use the sessions to discuss practical parish challenges, such as marriage preparation, matrimonial consent, impediments, canonical form, mixed marriages, and cases regarding marriage validity and nullity.

The workshop is facilitated by Rev. Fr. Chrispin Mwila, a canon lawyer from the Mansa Diocese. Bishop Mulandu noted that formation is a continuous process that continues after ordination to help priests serve the people of God with greater confidence and sensitivity.