By Burnett Munthali

Lilongwe – In a landmark event aimed at fostering unity and dialogue, Malawi Catholic Bishops hosted a dinner interface meeting with Catholic Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe. The event, which commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by Right Reverend Alfred Mateyu Chaima, the Bishop of the Diocese of Zomba, sought to strengthen collaboration between the Church and Catholic legislators.

The Holy Mass, a spiritual prelude to the discussions, set the tone for an evening of reflection and dialogue. In his homily, Bishop Chaima emphasized the critical role of Catholic MPs in embodying the Church’s values in their policymaking and leadership roles. “As lawmakers, you are called to be the voice of the voiceless and to bring the Gospel’s teachings into the corridors of power,” he said.

The dinner meeting brought together Catholic MPs from across the political spectrum, creating a platform to discuss pressing national issues. The bishops highlighted the need for legislators to prioritize the common good, tackle the challenges of poverty, corruption, and inequality, and champion justice and peace in their respective constituencies.

In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Archbishop George Desmond Tambala, underscored the importance of bridging faith and governance. “The Church and the state must work hand in hand to promote the well-being of our people. This interface is a step towards strengthening that partnership,” he noted.

Key topics of discussion included the role of Catholic social teachings in policymaking, the Church’s expectations of MPs, and the need for collective action in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges. The bishops also urged the MPs to lead by example, advocating integrity and servant leadership in their respective roles.

Speaking on behalf of the MPs, Hon. Monica Chang’anamuno expressed gratitude to the bishops for organizing the event. She acknowledged the Church’s pivotal role in shaping the moral compass of society and pledged the MPs’ commitment to upholding Catholic values in their legislative work.

The evening concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration, as the bishops and MPs agreed on the need for continuous dialogue to ensure that faith remains a guiding principle in addressing Malawi’s challenges.

This unique initiative by the Catholic Church demonstrates its unwavering commitment to engaging with policymakers to ensure a brighter future for Malawi.