Following recent commentsfrom Bushiri who said Mutharika leads a Satanic Government and comments from other Pastors in the country, President Peter Mutharika has challenged religious leaders in the country to desist from making sentiments and pronouncements that fuel divisions and intolerance among Malawians.
Mutharika made the challenge during an interface meeting he held with the leadership of Nkhoma Synod of the CCAP at Kamuzu Place on Wednesday February 25.
While welcoming constructive criticism, Mutharika appealed to religious leaders to avoid being destructive in the way they criticise.
“I am open to all positive criticism that you may offer. As religious leaders, let us avoid being destructive in the manner we do things. Anything we do should build this country, not divide it,” Mutharika said.
The President commended the Nkhoma Synod for its significant contribution to development particularly in the areas of education, health and social welfare.
“The Church plays a very important role in the running of government and my administration shall always look up to you for positive contribution and feedback in the way this government is being run,” said Mutharika.
Mutharika further reaffirmed his government’s commitment in the promotion and safeguarding freedoms of worship in the country.
“We shall continue to promote freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence of all faith communities in the country. Let us continue to work together for the good of the people that God has entrusted us with.
“I do recognize that religious freedom is not only a precious gift from God for those who have faith; it is a gift for each person because it is the basic guarantee of our expression of freedom,” he said.
In his remarks, Nkhoma Synod Moderator Reverend Dr. Chatha Nsangaambe assured the President of the synod’s support in the day to day running of government arguing it is the policy of the synod to work hand in hand with the government of the day.
“We will continue to play our prophetic as well as citizenry role. Be very free to approach us on any issue that you would want to understand clearly from us as a church,” said Nsangaambe.
While President Mutharika was meeting the church ministers the First Lady Gertrude Mutharika had a similar interaction with the spouses to the church leaders.
Nkhoma Synod of the CCAP has a membership of about 1.5 million people in its 180 congregations.
