By Chisomo Phiri

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has hailed the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC), citing the significant role the church played in Malawi’s struggle for independence from colonial rule.

He was speaking on Sunday May 26,2024 during the AMEC Centenary Celebrations at Hannock Msokera Primary School Ground, Traditional Authority(T /A) Mwase in Kasungu.

“The 100 years of existence being celebrated today must be a reminder to us all that God keeps and protects those that take part in building the nation.

“For those that take part in destroying our country, there is no history for them just as we do not have history for those that sided with the colonial government to abuse our people. We only remember those that fought for freedom like Hannock Msokera whom we are celebrating today,”Chakwera said.

Describing  Reverend Hanock Msokera Phiri of the African Methodist Episcopal Church as an important figure in the country’s history,Chakwera said institutions as well as individuals who fought for and laid the foundations of the country’s freedom deserve to be remembered and honoured.

The President also highlighted the initiatives being undertaken to uplift the livelihoods of Malawians and called for unity of action for Malawi to build the nation and achieve the country’s development agenda.

“Sometimes we have a problem of forgetting where we are coming from. AMEC must be remembered because without it, Dr Banda couldn’t have found an opportunity to learn in the United States.

“This is why Dr Banda came to this place we are today in 1974 in honour of the Late Hannock Msokera. So, we must remember these people for the work they have done for this country,” he said.

On his part, presiding Elder Rev. Manuel Chamamba also expressed the warm-hearted gratitude to president Chakwera for the support rendered towards the celebrations.

He further congratulated president Chakwera’s administration for working tirelessly to ensure Malawi’s stability from various devastating shocks from COVID-19, Cyclone Freddy and Cholera as well as the implementation of various developmental interventions citing the construction of security houses across the country.

He also urged the church’s support towards Chakwera’s administration.

In his remarks, Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Kawimbe, presiding Bishop of the 19th District of the Republic of South Africa, applauded president Chakwera for his commitment and involvement in various religious affairs.

“We have gone past 100 years of legacies, memories and challenges, but we gather here today in honour of Hannock Msokera and those that cleared the way for us.

“In the Bible, 100 is a number that signifies fullness, abundance and long life span. It is used to convey important messages and signifies God’s blessings,” said Kawimbe.

The ceremony was driven from the book of Lamentations chapter 3 verses 21 to 24.

AMEC was founded by Hannock Msokera in 1924 and prides itself to have facilitated that the country’s founding President Dr Hasting Kamuzu Banda should go to the United States of America to pursue higher education. 

AMEC has 147 churches with an estimated membership of a million followers.

Apart from the spiritual ministry, the church also runs primary and secondary schools, pays school fees for needy students, supports the health sector with expatriate medical services and assists government in responding to natural disasters through donation of relief items and building houses for victims.