Mutharika meets Malawi religious leaders: ‘Asks for special prayers’

Malawi President Peter Mutharika on Friday  met a group of prominent local religious leaders at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, where he urged them to stand alongside Government since they are partners.

Critics say the church pastors and sheiks are being too soft on the government, refusing to condemn Mutharika and his cronies for alleged abuses such as the controversial sale of state-owned Malawi Savings Bank and kowtowing to the 76-year-old leader even on matters where he needs constructive criticism.

“I am happy to meet you today, to thank you for taking part in the development of this country in various ways through your mother bodies as this is one way of the manifestation of faith and hope for our country’s development,” said Mutharika.

Mutharika said Government is aware of the critical role the church plays in the governing of the nation.

” To this I call upon you religious leaders to be able to fully live the faith that we have received, the more we are faithful to his will, the more we will truly and substantially walk together towards the unity of purpose in development of our country,” said Mutharika.

Mutharika, who looked happy throughout his speech, assured religious leaders that his government will continue on the path of ecumenical dialogue with religious bodies for the Promotion of unity among all Malawians.

The President said he was hopeful that together, religious leaders can do a lot for the good for the less privileged, for those who are weak and suffering, to promote justice, to promote reconciliation, to build peace, and above all, keep alive in a country the thirst for development, and not allow the vision of other people with an evil mind to prevail.

Mutharika then asked for “special prayers” so that he can be a leader according to the will of God for the benefit of all Malawians.

Some of religious leaders who attended the ceremony are Blantyre Synod General Secretary Reverend Maulana, Anglican Church Bishop Brighton Malasa, Catholic Bishop Thomas Msusa, while Malawi Council of Churches was represented by Rev Francis Mkandawire.

Some of the senior clerks included Cavalry Family Church’s Apostle Madalitso Mbewe, Bishop Matoga, and Sheik Idris Muhammed from Muslim Association of Malawi.

Speaking on behalf of the clergy chairperson of Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Bishop Thomas Luke Msusa reaffirmed their commitment to national building.