MCC, Nkhoma Synod join Dec 13 demos

Tom Sangala December 5, 2017

478 1 minute read

The Malawi Council of Churches (MCC), and Nkhoma Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian have become the latest religious bodies to endorse the Public Affairs Committee (Pac) planned protest on December 13 to force the government to table six Electoral Reforms Amendment Bills
Catholic bishops last week urged their flock to take part in the demonstration, becoming the first Church to endorse the planned protests.
“We know that we, as Christians, are part of society; hence we contribute to the principles that govern the nation. We are obliged to participate in good governance because when things are in order in a country, the church [has to come in] and that is why we are encouraging our members to take part in these demonstrations,” reads a statement signed by Bishop Fanuel Magangani, Chairperson of MCC.
MCC is an umbrella organisation for 25 Christian churches and 20 para-church organisations in Malawi. It was established in 1942 to facilitate human transformation following the image of Christ, promote holistic development and foster unity, peace, justice and love.
Mangangani says MCC is encouraging its members to participate in the protests because Christians have a role to play in promoting good governance.
He said the protests are not in bad faith.
Meanwhile, Nkhoma Synod has announced that it has joined religious groups in encouraging members to take part in the protests.
In its statement, Nkhoma Synod leadership notifies its members that ,as part of Pac, it was in solidarity with the impending protests
“We cannot deny the decision made by Pac and MCC. So, it is a matter of showing our consolidation of membership and participation of [sic] the decision that has been made,” said the Synod’s General Secretary Reverend Vasco Kachipapa.
But despite facing mounting pressure, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Samuel Tembenu, remained adamant, saying Cabinet has not finished going through the bills.
“Cabinet had time to go through some of the bills, but there were six big bills and we could not finish. So like I have been saying, Cabinet is yet to conclude the work. But I can understand the impatience that is there, my appeal is for the people to be a little patient,” Tembenu said .