Malawi march for life ‘just a taste of things to come’

The nationwide pro-life rallies which were organized by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) of the Catholic Church and the Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM)  are  just a taste  of things to come as the faith organisations are protesting all aspects that affects life on a host of social and economic fronts.

Many people who spoke to Nyasa Times in Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu said rather  than protesting against  an impending Termination of Pregnancy Bill, they cited more varied reasons for joining the protests.

In addition to voicing opposition to legalising abortion and same-sex liasons, they say they are expressing anger with blackouts, water shortages, ailing economy and worsening corruption in government.

ECM  Secretary General Reverend Father Henry Saindi when presenting  the petition on pro-life at Parliament hinted that the faith leaders would organize what he called another massive demos against inconsistencies in various social amenities in the country.

“Be reminded that it’s the church that brought democracy in this country. Never play games with faith issues,” said Saindi.

“We will be back soon; bigger and stronger,”  he said.

Having started at St Patricks’ Catholic Church Parish in Area 18, the marchers clad largely in white thronged the Presidential Highway from Area 18 roundabout all the way to the Parliament Building.

In the capital Lilongwe, Muslim Sheiks, Rastas, Secretary General of Nkhoma CCAP Synod Reverend Vasco Kachipapa, EAM deputy secretary general  Reverend Grey Mwalamu, Pastor Matilda Matabwa of the Malawi Assemblies of God,  and Bishop of the Upper Shire of the Anglican Church Brighton Malasa were some of the top clergy in attendance.

Police say the demonstrations were largely peaceful.