MANERELA+ hit back at Nkhoma Synod over same-sex rights
Malawi Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Affected with HIV and Aids (MANERELA+) has hit back at Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP)-Nkhoma Synod over the condemnation of Non-Governmental Organizations championing the fight and respecting of the rights of minority particularly same-sex practices.
This follows issuing of a Pastoral Letter by the Nkhoma Synod which was circulated and read in all CCAP Churches under the Nkhoma Synod last Sunday.
The letter titled “Taking our stand with God in this crooked generation” was aimed at condemning the abduction and killing of people with albinism and went on to tackle the issue of same sex practices.
The letter signed by Nkhoma Synod Moderator Reverend Dr. Chatha Msangaambe and Senior Clerk Reverend Dr. Archwell Katani described homosexuality as a sinful practice attracting God’s wrath and therefore urged its members to stand against its legalization as well as refraining from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans gender and Intersex”.
The statement said this is unbibilical.
But reacting to the pastoral letter, MANERELA+ Acting Executive Director Allie Mwachande said he is saddened with the contents of the letter particularly on homosexuality issues.
“It is not right for men of God or a church to castigate others, as religious leaders, they must always preach unity and love regardless of whatever differences that we have or act,” said Mwachande in a telephone interview with Nyasa Times.
MANERELA+ has since released a press statement responding to the CCAP Nlhoma Synod’s Pastoral Letter.
The statement signed by Mwachande himself, said continuing condemnation of sexual minorities on the context of HIV and Aids and other vulnerabilities continue to drive the community underground thereby leaving them behind in accessing services for prevention care and treatment of the same.
“We do wish to enlist the need for all men and women of God in churches, Mosques and other places of worship to affirm lives of all and enhance the flourishing of the integral human good of all people and work towards making Malawi a better place for all where everyone is treated equally and benefits in the same manner as the creator intended for all,” reads part of the statement made available to Nyasa Times.
It further warns that “continued stigma and discrimination will worsen our environment”.
The statement further advised the faith based community to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and realize our roles in creating harmony through and care towards all people of God/Allah.
“Let’s leave no one behind but rather foster a oneness and unity of purpose in preaching the gospel of LOVE” concludes the statement.
Meanwhile, Mkhoma Synod has asked the Malawi government and Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) who still insist on homosexuality to let Malawians decide on the matter through a national referendum.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
Some people can defend a devil in a court of Law
I believe so, as long as there is something to benefit. Most of us are looking at the pleasures attached to the evil activities on this planet not salvation.
Nkhoma Synod have written a Pastoral Letter to their faithfuls.The letter aims at shepherding their own willful members of their flock.
Why should Manarela+who are not of their flock find problems with it? Let those who were being written to react.(M’busa salisha ng’ombe za weni).
Pezani dambo lanu komwe a Manarela+ mudzikalishila n’gombe zanu mwanzeru zozama ngati m’mene mwaneneramo.Aku Nkhoma alemba mogwirizana ndi chiphunzitso chao pa mau a Mulungu.
Ngati chiphunzitso chanu a Manarela+ chili chosiyana mulembe kalata yanu kwa anthu agulu lanu/nkhosa zanu without reference to Nkhoma CCAP in the spirit of Freedom of Association.
Iwe Manelela ngati walandira khobiri ingodya ukagone. Usadzitenge kuti iweyo ndi Malawi. Manga church chako cha uvecho. Ndipo usasakanize nkhani anthu odwala matenda ndi okwatirana a sex imodzi. Ukufuna upomboneze ndani? Pereka mpata anthu akambirane za Mulungu osati zonunkha zakozo. Ukapitiliza ugwira bibi sure!
The CCAP clergy have just shown that they are totally dull on matters of rights and Christianity. Read this: Every time a vicious crime is committed against a group of LGBT people or a natural disaster befalls a Gay Pride event, my ears are pained by senseless explanations offered by religious yet graceless voices. Most Christians mourn and weep over these tragedies, but I always hear a few Bible Belt dwellers claiming “the heathen” got what they deserved—that God smote the sodomites as they reveled in their sins. They recall biblical stories like Sodom and Gomorrah and almost excitedly proclaim… Read more »
this is touching ………..convincing …..inspring and worth a lesson……..i rest my case
Nawenso Bikitoni, zankutu…..munya muona!!!!