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.