By Burnett Munthali
The President of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), Bishop Martin Anwell Mtumbuka, has commended the former Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese, Reverend John Ryan, for his unwavering commitment to defending the poor and speaking truth to power.
In his address, Bishop Mtumbuka, who also serves as the head of the Karonga Diocese, specifically highlighted Bishop Ryan’s bold stance in condemning injustices carried out by the Malawi Defence Force in Kasasile, Nkhatabay.
He noted that Bishop Ryan stood up to defend ordinary citizens when they were reportedly mistreated by security forces, emphasizing that such actions from a religious leader exemplify moral courage and a true sense of justice.
Bishop Mtumbuka applauded Bishop Ryan’s call for the equal treatment of all Malawians regardless of their social or geographical background, describing it as a gesture of compassion and solidarity with the marginalized.
In the same breath, Bishop Mtumbuka, in his capacity as MCCB President, took the opportunity to urge all political actors to promote peace and tolerance as the country heads toward its September 16th elections.
He appealed to politicians to conduct themselves with dignity and to avoid rhetoric or actions that could incite violence, emphasizing the church’s commitment to maintaining harmony and national unity.
These remarks were made during the installation ceremony of the new Bishop of Mzuzu Diocese, the Right Reverend Yohane Sugzo Nyirenda, marking a significant moment of transition in the local church leadership.
Bishop Mtumbuka’s words reflected a strong message of continuity in the church’s mission: to stand with the oppressed, to speak truth without fear, and to serve as a moral compass during politically sensitive times.
As Malawi approaches a critical electoral moment, such calls from religious leadership underscore the need for restraint, respect, and responsibility among all citizens and leaders alike.
