Nkhoma Synod spits fire
The Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) Nkhoma Synod has come out strongly on homosexuality and abortion, describing them as evils which Malawi should do its utmost to avoid.
In a strong-worded pastoral letter which was read in all its prayer houses yesterday, the synod also wants government to undertake different measures to protect people with albinism.
The letter—titled ‘Taking our stand with God in this crooked generation’—states in its very preamble that the synod “has noticed with great shock, disgust and disbelief how some people have resorted into the barbaric behaviour of killing [people with albinism], insinuating the legalisation of homosexuality and abortion in Malawi”.
According to the synod, those fighting for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) rights want to fight the Church and God’s order.
It further alleges that masters of such fighters want to bring a New World Order in which anyone who refuses to abide by what they want will be persecuted and punished.
“If the government and some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) insist on [homosexuality], let them ask Malawians themselves to vote in a referendum,” reads in part the letter signed by the synod’s moderator Chatha Msangaambe and senior clerk Archwells Katani.
Apart from minority rights CSOs, some development partners have also been pushing for the decriminalisation of homosexuality, arguing that no one should be punished for their sexual orientation.
But according to Nkhoma Synod, anyone with sexual feelings towards a member of the same sex needs pastoral, clinical and psychological counselling and rehabilitation because it is against the order of nature.
And in their stand against abortion, the synod’s ministers argue that no civilised society permits one human being to intentionally harm or take the life of another human being without punishment.
“Direct abortion is never a morally tolerable option. It is always a grave act of violence against a woman and her unborn child. This is so even when a woman does not see the truth because of the pressures she may be subjected to, often by the child’s father, her parents or friends,” the letter adds.
Regarding the infamous attacks on persons with albinism—which continue being a major human rights concern in the country—the pastors want government to review and enact laws that deal with witchcraft, sorcery and magic and condemn organisations that promote the teaching that God and witchcraft do not exist.
The synod further proposes that all persons with albinism should be given mobile handsets by government and telephone operators as part of their corporate social responsibility so that they can call the police whenever they feel that their lives are in danger.
On several occasions Nkhoma Synod has been speaking against homosexuality and abortion, urging Malawians to reject any attempt to legalise the two.
Meanwhile, the synod has announced that they have set apart next Sunday as a day of special prayers to plead with God “for His forgiveness and mercy on Malawi for the merciless killings of people with albinism and for the casual treatment of issues of homosexuality and abortion”.
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