MALAWI: Catholic Bishops Call for a Just and Transparent Malawi for All

 Stella Zulu

Members of Episcopal Conference of Malawi

On the occasion of celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the 1992 Catholic bishops’ Pastoral letter “Living our Faith” that called for democracy, rule of law, participatory government, transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption among others, the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) echoes the same to the contemporary leadership of the country.

 Among other things, the 1992 pastoral letter bemoaned the growing gap between the rich and the poor, failure by many workers to buy basic necessities because of low wages, the prevailing existence of bribery, nepotism, tribalism, apartheid, regionalism and divisions

The ECM, through the 2022 commemorative pastoral letter issued on 6^th March in the Lenten season, laments new ills in the country which the Catholic bishops say have put the country in a sense of no direction and dehumanizing conditions for Malawians.

“The present environment, in which the people of Malawi live, can be described as very dehumanizing. Vast numbers of men, women and children are today, like Lazarus in the Gospel (Luke 16, 19-31), languishing in abject poverty while wealth and luxury are enjoyed by a few who are unconcerned about these dehumanizing conditions of the majority.”  Reads the bishops Letter

This, according to the bishops, is exacerbated by weak and indecisive leadership and plunder of public resources, patronage and impunity among others.

“As Catholic Bishops together with all concerned Malawians, we are deeply shocked and dismayed by the recent revelations concerning the plunder of public resources by foreign nationals in partnership with corrupt politicians and civil servants. We are now more than convinced that this country has enough resources which, if put to good use, could propel it to meaningful development for all,” continues the letter.

“We have also noted with sadness that decision making at the highest level of government is slow despite having the necessary legal powers, authority and information. This is particularly true with respect to the fight against corruption. We believe that a President who campaigned on a platform of anti-corruption, and promised to deal with the vice, will not keep any of his ministers and aides when there is sufficient information about their involvement in corruption”. It continues

The Bishops therefore, have encouraged Malawians to be patriotic and defend the resources of the country.

The ECM also called on the government to insure transparency and accountability in the implementation of Affordable Input Programme (AIP) to achieve food security for Malawians.

 The bishops went on to condemn enactment of abortion Laws, which they have described as a threat to life and human dignity.

 “As Catholic Bishops, our stand on abortion will never change. All instances of direct abortion are murder. We shall always defend and protect the life of the unborn child. Human life is sacred and must be safeguarded regardless of how it has come about. For God commands: “You shall not kill” (Ex. 20, 13),” said the Bishops.