By Jean Mseka
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, who is also President of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), attended the Annual General Conference of the Last Church of God at Golomoti Trading Centre in Dedza District on Saturday. The event took place at the church grounds and was attended by church members, local leaders, and community residents.
Chakwera arrived at the venue in the morning and was received by church officials, including the church’s leadership team. He joined the congregation for worship sessions and remained at the gathering for several hours before departing later in the day.
During his address, Chakwera spoke in Chichewa and called for unity and collective effort. He said that both the nation and the church make progress when people work together. He urged Malawians to cooperate in social and economic activities and to support one another in their communities. He also stated that spiritual faith should be accompanied by active participation in national development. He further said that the government values the role of religious institutions in providing moral guidance and social services.
The Last Church of God is an African Independent Church founded in Malawi in the 1920s. It holds annual conferences in different locations across the country. This year’s conference took place at Golomoti, a trading centre in Dedza District, and attracted believers from several districts.
Church leaders present at the function expressed appreciation for the President’s attendance. The conference programme included hymns, prayers, and sermons, in addition to the President’s speech.
Among those who accompanied Chakwera were MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, MCP Lakeshore Regional Chair Augustine Chidzanja, Dedza Golomoti Constituency Member of Parliament Bandawe, and Dedza Mayani Constituency Member of Parliament Sarvel Kafwafwa. Several other party officials and local party representatives were also present. Traditional authorities from Dedza attended the function as well.
