Anglican Church rebukes offensive politicians, pledges support to gov’t
The Anglican Church in Malawi has told off politicians who spend time on mudslinging and character assassination to gain cheap political marks without regard for peaceful coexistence as the country prepares for elections next year.
The church has since urged such politicians to desist from their inappropriate trends, which it observes, breed hatred among Malawians and affect the country’s national development.
In a communiqué issued at the end of its Fourth Synod Meeting held in Mangochi, the Anglican Diocese of Upper Shire regrets such conducts saying instead of benefiting the nation make it lose out.
“Political parties and individual politicians are asked to desist from the use of derogatory remarks, abusive language, personal insults and actions that would provoke anger and violence during campaign rallies, on polling day itself as well as after release of the elections results,” reads the communiqué signed by the Right Rev Brighton Vitta Malasa, Bishop of Upper Shire Diocese and President of the Synod of the Diocese of Upper Shire.
The church further observes that despite different political affiliations and ideologies, maintenance of peaceful coexistence is critical to the creation of a conducive environment for sustainable development Malawi is longing for.
“It is easier and cheaper to destroy peace but very expensive to bring it back,” observes the church while stressing the need for all stakeholders to ensure that Malawi has a free and fair elections.
One of the well known Malawian politicians whose speeches are incomplete without castigating opposition politicians is Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister, Uladi Mussa.
Mussa, also a senior member of the governing Peoples Party (PP), is well known for his scathing remarks and of late he had been on United Democratic Front (UDF) Presidential Candidate, Atupele Muluzi, calling him a toddler.
His continued castigation of Muluzi forced a section of Muslims in the country to pray to God during Eid ul-Fitr prayers asking Him to punish the loud-mouth minister. Both Muluzi and Mussa are committed Muslims.
During its meeting, which attracted 156 delegates, the Anglican Church also agreed to render its support to President Joyce Banda and her government’s policies that incline towards the betterment of Malawi and its citizenry as well as offering advice accordingly.
“The Synod wishes to extend a message of good will and solidarity to the government of Malawi under the leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Hilda Mtila Banda.
“The Synod further wishes to assure the State President and the Government of the Republic of Malawi of the continued prayers during every Holy Mass Service, Special Occasion Litanies, and other prayers as are the tradition of the Church as she is striving to restore the economy through the economic recovery plan,” reads the communiqué.
The church also expressed its gratitude to fellow countrymen for allowing smooth takeover of government after the sudden death of President Bingu wa Mutharika in April last year due to cardiac arrest.
Located in the South Eastern part of Malawi, the Anglican Diocese of Upper Shire covers Mangochi, Machinga, Balaka, Dedza East, Ntcheu, Neno, Mwanza and Zomba districts with its headquarters at Chilema in Zomba.
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