By Our Reporter
As reservations continue to grow over the relevance of Public Affairs Committee (PAC) to national affairs, the country’s largest religious institution, Roman Catholic church, says it is pulling out of the quasi-religious grouping for lack of informed direction.
The decision comes a day after close to 30 civil society organizations accused PAC of inciting hatred and championing divisions through their conferences where people find a platform to demean God-elected national leaders.
For the past three weeks PAC has been holding consultative meeting to look into the country’s economic and political situation.
Another of the consultative meetings takes place this week in Blantyre. However, Roman Catholic bishops feel that the mandate of PAC has been hijacked by personal motives and aspirations.
“The Executive Director (Robert) Phiri has taken focus away from the initial mandate of PAC and is busy accepting sinister agenda from stakeholders with questionable priorities. We cannot continue serving under such a misinformed set-up hence our decision to retract our affiliation,” said one bishop who spoke on condition of anonymity.
However, Catholic For Justice and Peace (CCJP) Communications Officer Prince Henderson held reservations on commenting or confirming decisions that are made at Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).
Besides the conduct of Phiri, stakeholders have also accused PAC chair, Rev Felix Chingota, of tribalistic traits which are evident on his open support for opposition politicians from one tribe. PAC’s consultative meetings are being funded by United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
