Livingstonia Synod clocks 10 in LL, attacks govt

Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Livingstonia Synod yesterday celebrated 10 years of its Lilongwe Presbytery with an attack on some  government policies it argued are marginalising people on ethnic and regional backgrounds.

The synod’s general secretary the Reverend Levi Nyondo, speaking during the commemoration, said there are a number of government policies colliding with their faith in God; and, that the church will not relent in opposing them and their subsequent implementation.

He reiterated that the church will never recoil in fighting for justice and equality until government does “away with policies that are aimed at serving interests of the few”.

Nyondo mentioned the equitable selection of students into public universities and other institutions of higher learning as examples of policies framed to marginalise some sections of people based on their ethnic and regional backgrounds.

The policy, popularly known as the quota system, was introduced during the rule of former president Bingu wa Mutharika.

Declared Nyondo: “The Livingstonia Synod of the CCAP maintains its stand on this policy. We say no to quota system. It is aimed at dividing this country; and, as such, we say away with quota system in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. We want merit in this country.”

He also said the synod is opposed to the introduction of a Bill to legalise same-sex marriages and abortion.

Nyondo also deplored the rising cases of corruption in government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). He urged authorities and the church to work together in fighting the vice which he acknowledged has also found its way into the temple.

Livingstonia Synod’s decision to open the Lilongwe Presbytery put it on a collision course with the Nkhoma CCAP Synod which argued that Livingstonia had invaded its geographical jurisdiction as the boundary of the two synods was in Kasungu District.

However, the Livingstonia Synod went ahead and since then relations between the two synods have not been rosy.

CCAP has three synods in Malawi—Livingstonia in the Northern Region, Nkhoma in the Central Region and Blantyre in the Southern Region and part of the Central Region in Ntcheu. There are also Harare and Lusaka synods.

Of the three local synods, Livingstonia has had strained relations with governments in power.

For yesterday’s event, organisers said they invited government representatives and major political parties in the country but government and the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had no representation at the event.

Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) was represented by its vice-president Richard Msowoya who is also Speaker of the National Assembly. He was accompanied by Lilongwe Msozi South member of Parliament (MP) Vitus  Dzoole Mwale.

Nyondo said Livingstonia Synod will also shun activities organised by political parties that did not attend the 10th anniversary.

In his remarks, Msowoya challenged the church to rise to the occasion and start providing prophetic counselling and guidance to all branches of government.

He also urged churches in the country to feed the poor, especially now “when the price of maize has gone up from K5 500 to K12 500”.

Said Msowoya: “This country is going through tough times. I, therefore, wish to appeal to you to share the little that you have with those who do not have anything.”

DPP publicity secretary Francis Kasaila could not be reached for a comment on why the party shunned the event. n