Govt asks Livigstonia Synod to give direct advice
Malawi Government has asked CCAP Synod of Livingstonia not to rebuke it publicly, but meet the leaders directly whenever there are concerns over governance.
Vice-President Khumbo Kachali made the request on Thursday at Bwiba CCAP Church in Karonga during the funeral service of the Reverend Ted Atusaye Goliath Mwambira who died on Monday.
The Vice-President said since the leadership comprises members of the CCAP, the advice can even be given within the church set-up.
He said Malawi President Joyce Banda is a member of the women’s guild whereas himself is a member of the men’s guild. He added that even some Cabinet ministers such as Catherine Gotani Hara are members of the church.
Therefore, he said, it is better that whenever there are concerns about governance, the advice should be presented directly to them as members of the church.
“Politics or without politics, we are all Malawians. We need your guidance. The country will thrive if you advise us. The country cannot thrive if you neglect us,” he said.
“It becomes worrisome when the synod rebukes its ‘children’ publicly. I’m sure that if there is a problem, you will not accuse us publicly, but you will engage us directly for your advice,” he added.
In a brief response after the Vice-President spoke, the synod’s general secretary the Reverend Levi Nyondo said the synod has taken note and thanked the Vice-President for the advice.
During the previous regime of the late president Bingu wa Mutharika, the synod used to express concern over governance issues. Consequently, the synod was not in good terms with the former regime.
The late Mwambira once served as deputy secretary general of the synod among other roles within the church. He also served as board member of the Northern Region Water Board (NRWB). He was 63.
