Chikhwawa clergy confesses for Malawi

Christians and Muslim members in Chikhwawa on Thursday joined hands in confessing for the country according to 2 Chronicles 7 from verse 13-14 that says ‘If people called by name humble themselves, confess their sins, and turn to me, I will hear from heaven and heal their land’.

The confession prayer was made during the fourth solidarity prayers organised by Malawi Interfaith Aids Association (MIAA) under the theme ‘Faith community response towards zero infections, zero stigma and discrimination and zero HIV and Aids related deaths’.

The religious groups also prayed for the faith community to respond favourably towards the theme as well as praying for the infected and affected.

District MIAA chairman, Reverend Moyenda Kanjerwa said the prayers focussed on unity, love and coordination among all stakeholders working in areas of HIV and Aids in the country.

“These solidarity prayers have brought together Christians and Muslims in the fight against the disease because everybody is affected in one way or the other.We had to confess and seek God’s forgiveness as a nation because as a country we are very much affected and we have to change our cultural beliefs if we are to win this battle against HIV and Aids,” said Rev Kanjerwa.

Bishop Peter Musikuwa of Chikhwawa Diocese urged chiefs against some bad cultural practices like kulowa kufa.

“Faith leaders have to speak with one voice saying ‘No to Cultural Practices’ if we are to win the fight. No faith leader should stop anyone against getting ARVs,” said Bishop Musikuwa.

MIAA executive director Robert Ngaiyaye said he was impressed with Namalindi CCAP drama group that portrayed kulowa kufa and called for such behaviours to stop.

“We are in the process of introducing a three-year programme that will help people against bad cultural practices in eight districts and Chikhwawa inclusive,” said Ngaiyaye asking the clergy to lead by good example.