Pastors despair of infighting at CCAP Blantyre Synod

Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) ends its 30th Biennial Assembly held at its Headquarters in Blantyre divided with church’s political infighting.

Nyasa Times understands that CCAP leader’s involvement with politicians is dragging the church apart.

CCAP Blantyre Synod is becoming a political wing, claimed one of the pastors attending the assembly, accusing re-elected general secretary Reverend Alex Maulana of allowing politicians to take control of church affairs.

In the run up to the elections, Synod’s Prison Chaplain Reverend Stanley Chimesya reportedly accused Maulana of being supported by the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

On the other hand, Maulana accused Chimesya of soliciting funds from the former governing Peoples Party-(PP) to support his opponents during the campaign.

It was also leant that church ends its assembly with the “cacophony of factions” which will distract the church from its religious mission.

The Advisory Council of CCAP Blantyre Synod has accused the incumbent synod management and presbytery officials of failing to uphold the synod’s Constitution by among others using the church for personal and economic gains.

Church members are calling for the advisory council led by Silas Ncozana, Saulos Chitsulo and Rodney Bonato to help resolve the infighting and bring the church to order.

“The children of God” are at each other’s throats, said once concerned pastor.

He said Ncozana has “enormous qualities and huge spiritual depth” to help the church realign itself to God than political masters.

“We believe it is something that can be resolved,” he said. “If we cannot have Ncozana the synod should seek wisdom from Catholic Church.”

But Reverend Maulana said he will not hold grudges against his critics.

“I tell you it has not been easy, I have been hit from all sides but I thank God for his unconditional love. I however, ask for your prayers, encouragement, constructive criticisms and love,” said Maulana in his acceptance speech after being re-elected.

The theme for the assembly was “Proclaiming good news of peace through Jesus Christ our Lord for all.”

The advisor council recently accused the synod of  nepotism to the extent that some reverends are ministering in the church not because of a calling from God but as a means of earning a living.

The letter accuses the synod management of shielding reverends who are caught drinking beer at various bars and those embroiled in sexual scandals.

“Some have been moved to churches that have more resources than others because they come from the same area with synod management officials. While others have been transferred to churches facing challenges as a form of punishment for not helping incumbent church leaders during elections,” the council said/

The letter further says even the selection of students to pursue theology studies is marred by corruption.

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