"We are referring precisely to the liturgical vestments and liturgical articles that have belonged to the Catholic Church since its origins, having these articles and vestments as its own heritage. Unfortunately, in recent days they are being abused by those who use these articles without knowing what they are," said Bishop Leopoldo Ndakalako.
Speaking at the closing press conference of the 1st Annual Plenary Assembly of CEAST Bishops, which ended this Friday in Luanda, the priest said that liturgical vestments and respective articles (chalices, paten and others) belong to an ecclesiastical identity.
The CEAST bishops, noted Leopoldo Ndakalako, bishop of Menongue, "do not intend to open any confrontation or even raise useless discussions on the matter."
"What we want is to clarify and advise our brothers who make this improper use to take into account that these garments belong to the Catholic Church," he responded to journalists.
As they are the heritage of this institution, he considered it "recommended" that they not be misused, "because this leads to confusion among church members and leads people to live their Christian life in an unconscious and confused way."
The issue of the alleged misuse of Catholic ecclesiastical terminology, symbols, vestments and liturgical materials in Angola has been dragging on since 2021, when CEAST issued a pastoral note on the matter.
At the time, CEAST criticized some religious institutions that, "lacking biblical-historical and theological support", continued to make use of the material and immaterial heritage of traditional churches, urging the creation of an "environment of respect and protection" for their heritage.
The first annual plenary session of CEAST bishops, which took place from Monday to Friday in Luanda, addressed issues related to the religious and sociopolitical life of Angola.
