By Prince Henderson
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| A photo of Fr. Henry Chinkanda celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass this year with Catholic Parliamentarians |
The Parliamentary Liaison Officer of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Fr. Henry Chinkanda has asked the Catholic MPs to radiate God’s life in whatever they do in or outside the parliament.
Fr Chinkanda was speaking recently during Mass at Parliament Building with Members of Parliament who are currently attending Parliament sessions in Lilongwe.
Fr Chinkanda was speaking recently during Mass at Parliament Building with Members of Parliament who are currently attending Parliament sessions in Lilongwe.
The Mass which was celebrated under the theme “Perceiving realities of life through Jesus’ lenses” as depicted on the logo Pope Francis had chosen for the Year of Mercy made reference to the current debate on abortion bill and same sex marriages.
With this background in mind, Fr. Chinkanda lamented that Christians were learning with dismay that human life and the family were under direct attack through the Termination of Pregnancy Bill as well as those who were pushing for the legalization of homosexual practices and unions.
He reminded the Honorable Members that the Church teaches that, human life must be respected, preserved and defended from the moment of conception just because life is sacred.
Fr. Chinkanda said learning from the Apostle Andrew whose feast was being commemorated on the day of the Mass, said all Christians, including Members of Parliament, are apostles in their own way.
“Like Andrew, who after he had found Jesus the Messiah, went to share the good news of life with his brother Peter, all Christians are also called to do the same by radiating God’s life in whatever they do, including when passing bills in Parliament,” said Fr. Chinkanda.
In this regard, Fr. Chinkanda called on the Members of Parliament to make a proper discernment as they deliberate on the stated bill guided by Gospel values and moral principles that promote life.
“There will be no other people to pass and promulgate this into law except you who are gathered here in this August House”, said Fr. Chinkanda.
He said the Church is calling upon each one of them to stand up for life by saying NO to the culture of death.
“Let us choose life and avoid a self-destructive culture. We should be ambassadors of life even in Parliament. That is why Pope Francis says: ‘A good Catholic should meddle himself or herself into politics’ so as to influence good policies in society,” he said
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