By Kondanani Chilimunthaka
President Lazarus Chakwera has once again said his government will ensure continued cordial working relationship with the church of CCAP, Nkhoma Synod and all other religious bodies in the country for the betterment of national development.
He was speaking after attending Sunday church service at Nkhoma CCAP in Lilongwe on May 7, 2022.
“We came to reaffirm the cordial working relationship between the government and the Nkhoma Synod which started long ago in around 1891. As we are aware the Synod has been supporting government in various sectors including Education and Health.
We will continue working with the Synod and a other churches by ensuring that freedom of worship is well respected and fully protected. As President, I am the President for everyone.” Said President Chakwera.
Malawi leader further assured the Synod that he and his administration will continue to listen to the advice from them with the mind to rebuild the nation because the church leadership has the passion for the nation.
“We will continue to stop the tendency of intimidating the church when they criticize the government or leadership because my administration respects democratic values and all pillars of democracy. You are free to give such advice that is helpful in the development of this country to the President and entire government machinery.” Added President Chakwera while warming that he will not tolerate the behaviour within his government.
On issues to do with corruption in the country, President Chakwera told the congregation that even the church has been heavily hit as some of those involved in the vice are church members, thereby appealing to the church to stand with the government in the fight against the practice.
President Chakwera then appealed the church to continue praying for the nation and the leadership at the time the country is going through numerous challenges which include climate change and covid-19. But he was quick to assure the nation that the country will be rescued from the hard situation, while thanking God for being faithful to the people of this country, and the Synod leadership for the warm welcome given to him during the church service he attended on Sunday.
On his part, Nkhoma Synod Moderator, Rev. Phillip Kambulire said the church was grateful to have the President congregated with them, saying the church has the responsibility to be praying for the leadership to maintain peace and order for the country.
“We as a church has the responsibility to pray for the you the President and the First Lady on the responsibility and the role God has given you. We will continue praying for you and the nation, knowing pretty well that when things are well with the government, it shall also be well for the church. The church and government are inseparable as the same people working with you in government are the same people we are serving in the church.” Said Nkhoma Synod Moderator.
He then made assurance that as a church, CCAP Nkhoma Synod will continue supporting government in developmental projects that serve the citizenry well enough.
Historically, President Lazarus Chakwera has become the fourth President to congregate at Nkhoma CCAP after late President Kamuzu Banda, former President Bakili Muluzi, and late President Bingu Wa Mutharika.
