Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian has started withholding allowances from members of the clergy and other workers who obtained degrees from Jerusalem and Cyprus universities.
Earlier this year, National Council for Higher Education declared that degrees issued by the two institutions are “invalid”.
The decision stems from a recent court ruling by Lilongwe Principal Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe, who invalidated degrees from these institutions.
In an internal memo dated April 19 2024, addressed to presbytery clerks, department heads and controlling officers, the synod’s general secretary Reverend William Tembo says the move is in compliance with the law.
The synod has also directed that all members of staff who are working in its departments using degrees obtained from the universities will have to bear with the fact that their qualifications are now invalid.
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“All allowances that were awarded because of these degrees should be suspended forthwith. We have done this in order to comply with the law of the land to avoid court contempt,” the letter reads.
When contacted, Tembo declined to comment on the matter, saying the letter was for internal communication’
Meanwhile, quality education advocate Benedicto Kondowe has hailed the synod for the move, emphasising the importance of compensating individuals based on their legitimate qualifications.
However, Kondowe urged the synod to explore alternative methods of enhancing the education of its ministers to ensure that they possess genuine qualifications for effective service delivery.
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“If their decision is taken in line with the law, then there is no problem because qualifications matter in every work and people are paid according to their qualifications,” Kondowe said.
Meanwhile, the decision has created divisions among the church’s ministers, as some are in support of the synod’s stance while others oppose it, particularly those who hold degrees from the affected universities and occupy significant positions within the church.
Reverend Maurice Munthali, a retired church minister who previously served as deputy general secretary, disclosed that he and numerous other ministers had obtained credentials from then said universities.
Munthali advocated for the nullification of all such awards, regardless of the repercussions on individual recipients, to distance the church from the endorsement of illicit means of obtaining academic recognition.
Ministers typically receive standard honoraria, with additional compensation provided to those who have advanced their education.
Additionally, ministers may be assigned to lead various departments based on their areas of expertise.
