Livingstonia Synod clarify stand on North Malawi independence

CCAP Livingstonia synod has  clarified that it is not championing secessionof northern region to be a standalone country  , saying “it is totally against the church ideology of preaching peace and unity.”

The Synod’s top authorities including newly elected Moderator, Reverend Douglas Chipofya, General Secretary, Reverend Levi Nyondo and Deputy General Secretary told Presidential Advisor on National Unity and Parliamentary Affairs, Symon Vuwa  Kaunda that the church is surprised with those advocating for secession as they have never consulted the local masses and relevant institutions  on the matter.

They made their stand  at the Synod offices in the northern city of Mzuzu when Kaunda visited the authorities to offered the congratulatory message from President Peter Muntharika  on the over  synod’s election  new office bearers.

“As the Synod we are surprised with those campaigning for that because they have never consulted us as representatives of the people or even people on the ground, they neither talked about it during their campaign but are bringing the issue now ?” questioned the Synod Moderator Reverend Chipofya.

He said the Synod perceive  secession or Federalism  campaign as a cause for conflict in the church  as the synod has its branches even in the Central region hence the fears that the system would create enemity among faithful from the two regions.

The Synod Moderator further claimed that the Synod did not even discussed the agenda at the general assembly because it  has not been consulted by those advocating for the federal system, and that it is theologically having negative attitude on the matter.

Reverend Chipofya who is also the Spiritual father for the Synod said the role of the church is to complement Jesus mission of preaching peace and unity to the nation, hence it will never support any initiative that would bring differences among Malawians.

“As the Synod we have no time to discuss or advocate for things that are in conflict with our ideologies hence our stand on calls for federalism is ‘No’ because we don’t want to fall short before Christ,” he said.

The Synod further, commended Mutharika for preaching peace and unity, which it says is a milestone to meaningful development for any country, citing the appointment of an advisor on National Unity as a major indicator of the President’s commitment to promote unity in the country.

“We have seen how your office has been promoting contact and dialogue among various stakeholders, and that is really recommendable by the church, and we hope the President will continue promoting this until we all get united and become one Malawian.”

In his remarks, Kaunda thanked the Synod for complementing Mutharika’s efforts to promote unity, by stating its independent stand on federalism among other things.

“The President has clearly indicated that he is going to work hand in hand with the Church to ensure that his mission on peace and unity is fulfilled and is very happy with the support given by the Synod on the initiative and other development spheres.

“He believes that the church being a strong agent of change can easily help him achieve his goal since it is the pillar of all Malawians,” Kaunda said.

The push for federalism, being championed by a number of groups and politicians,  has also seen Karonga youths planning pro-federalism demonstrations to take place at the end of this month.

Synod general secretary Reverend Levi Nyondo said federalism has to be a national initiative.