LILONGWE (Maravipost)–Malawi President Peter Mutharika has said true religious freedom shuns temptation of intolerance and secretarianism and promotes attitudes of respect and constructive dialogue.
Mutharika said this when he had an audience with the leadership of Nkhoma Synod at the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Wednesday.
He said this was one of the series of meetings which he has been having with different groups as a sign of friendship in seeking to build fraternity and cooperation for the good of this country.
Mutharika claimed his government appreciates the role being played by the Nkhoma Synod in the development of this country through education, health and social welfare among others.
He therefore promised that his government will continue to promote and safeguard the Freedom of Worship in the country.
“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.
“We cannot deny that intolerance towards those with different religious convictions is a particularly insidious enemy, one which today is being witnessed in various areas around the world.
“Therefore all those forms of religions which present a distorted use of religion, must be firmly refuted as false since they are unworthy of God or humanity.
“Authentic religion is a source of peace and not violence. No-one must use the name of God to commit violence! To discriminate in the name of God is inhuman.
“Our country is facing a number of challenges that government alone cannot solve. We need to work together to find ways of eradicating these evils that are affecting the society today. As religious leaders, let is avoid being destructive in the manner we do things.
“Anything we do should be to build this country, not divide it. If we sow this seed in our followers, we shall all move as children of one mother, with one purpose in mind, the building of our nation,” said Mutharika.
