BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The former Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Secretary General (SG) father Henry Saindi of Mangochi Diocese of the Catholic Church has been suspended for fathering a child in Zambia without care.
In a press statement signed by Mangochi Diocese Bishop Mont Sitima in our possession observes that Fr. Saindi’s state of life as a priest is increasingly becoming a scandal and a source of discontent.
Bishop Sitima has therefore given Fr. Saindi to appeal against the suspension within 15 days.
“I hereby wish to draw your attention to several meetings we have held in relation to Ms. Susan JERE (Zambian) with whom you had unpriestly conducted against the Sixth Commandment of the Decalogue and subsequently fathered a child. In our discussion, you have accepted the allegations to be true.
“You also accepted the issue being public on various social media. Ms. Susan Jere has been demanding the support of the child in monetary form as well as your presence: Ms. Jere has paraded the child on social media,” reads the letter in part.
Bishop Sitima adds, “Regrettably, your state of life as a priest is increasingly becoming a scandal and a source of discontent. On the other hand, there is a child that needs a father’s love, care, and protection.
“To protect the good of the child, and indeed the good of the Church and the Priesthood, and in view of the provisions of canons 1717, 1395, 1333 of the Code of Canon Law(1983), as well as the Reporting Norms for cases of Sexual Abuse in force, you are suspended for an indefinite period with immediate effect”.
“During this period of suspension, you may not act in the name of the Roman Catholic Church, you perform any priestly duties, and you may not use any clerical regalia.
“Until a new course of life is determined by the competent Ecclesiastical Authority, you remain under obligation to observe the celibate state of life and pray for the Divine Office. It is your right to appeal against this suspension. You may do so within 15 days of receipt of this letter,” says Bishop Sitima.
Fr. Saindi is yet to comment on the matter.
