Nkhoma Synod, Gama apologise to Chewas
Nkhoma Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Thursday apologised to Chewa Heritage Foundation (Chefo) over “degrading” remarks made by Mvama CCAP Moderator Reverend Halmiton Yasin Gama regarding the Gule Wamkulu cult.
Reverend Yasin Gama recently angered the Chewa when he referred to Gule Wamkulu members as sinners.
In the sermon, Gama encouraged Christians to be like God, who provides rain even to those who are sinful, making a direct reference to the Gule Wamkulu cult.
But during mediation presided over by Lilongwe District Commissioner Lawford Palani and Coordinator of Chewas in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique, Senior Chief Lukwa of Kasungu District, Nkhoma Synod General Secretary Vasco Kachipapa apologised for the poor choice of the example given by Gama.
According to Kachipapa, Gama erred in his use of an example to emphasise a point in the sermon.
He, however, said, apart from the example, the sermon was okay.
“We, as Nkhoma Synod, apologise to the Chewas,” Kachipapa said.
Gama also said he was sorry for the poor choice of example in his sermon.
Earlier, members of the Gule Wamkulu cult had threatened to descend on Mvama CCAP Church.
Speaking to reporters after the mediation, Lukwa said he was happy that the misunderstanding had ended amicably.
“We are happy that Reverend Gama has apologised and I would like to urge all the Chewas to forgive him,” Lukwa said.
Chewa Chiefs Council Chairperson Senior Chief Kalumbu asked the church to pay a fine of three goats.
