Nkhoma Synod disputes MCP authored pastoral letter

Nkhoma Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has described as ridiculous social media speculations that the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) authored its pastoral letter which was read in all its central region churches on Sunday.

Reverend Vasco Kachipapa, secretary general of the synod said the church not a political party.

“We cannot be used by any political party. We are independent of any political party in the country. We have no affiliation to any party,” said Kachipapa.

Spokesperson of the MCP, Reverend  Maurice Munthali said the party had no hand in the pastoral letter.

“That pastoral letter belongs to the Nkhoma synod. The MCP does not issue pastoral letters. The synod has its own rules and policies on how to write and issue pastoral letters,” said Munthali.

The pastoral letter has buoyed MCP supporters ahead of the May 21 elections to be held in less than three weeks’ time.

The  pastoral letter themed; An Opportunity to Choose a Leader With Good Reputation, Full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom (Acts 6:3),  said the leader to be entrusted with power in the  May 21 elections should be one that will respect the Constitution, has no record of corruption, will unify Malawians and will not protect thieves and looters of public resources.

The guidance added that such a leader should also not promote abortion and same sex marriages and must make his stand known on these issues.

Reads the letter: “We, the clergy of CCAP Nkhoma Synod, encourage all voters to vote into power the one and only leader who has the above-listed leadership qualities as the President of the Republic of Malawi. The man with good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom [Acts 6:3].”

The letter also faults  ruling DPP leadership for not condemning or disciplining its youth cadets for perpetrating violence.