Malawi’s Bishops Call for Political Neutrality and Civic Engagement Ahead of Elections

The Bishops of Malawi, in their Lenten pastoral letter, mandate priests to avoid political partisanship while urging citizens to confront issues of poverty and corruption. They emphasize the need for collective action among Malawians to overcome socio-economic challenges and promote integrity within the leadership. The bishops stress the importance of faith and unity for a better future for Malawi.

In a recent pastoral letter entitled “Who will roll away the stone for us?” the Bishops of Malawi have urged their priests to remain neutral in political matters, warning against the misuse of church structures for supporting political candidates or parties. The directive comes six months prior to the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 16, as they emphasize the importance of integrity within the church’s ministry.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malawi (MCCB) employed the metaphor of the Stone of the Holy Sepulchre to inspire Malawians to confront the challenges that perpetuate poverty and suffering. They identified several pressing issues, including corruption, political irresponsibility, rising living costs, food insecurity, unemployment, dependence on foreign aid, and social fragmentation.

The bishops advocate for mobilizing citizens, especially the marginalized, to acknowledge their socio-economic challenges and to actively resist oppressive political structures. They assert that substantial change is unattainable without collective action against deceit, hunger, and corruption. They also highlight the need to counteract societal ills, such as the unjust persecution of women accused of witchcraft, stressing that community members inflict significant harm on one another.

Asserting the potential for divine intervention, the bishops remind the nation that no obstacle is insurmountable when approached with faith and unity. They call for collective responsibility in electing capable leaders and addressing the root causes of poverty and division to secure a prosperous future for Malawi, urging citizens to move actively towards reform and communal healing.

The bishops of Malawi have conveyed a crucial message regarding political neutrality within the church, while also advocating for active civic engagement to combat the socio-economic challenges faced by the nation. Their call to action emphasizes collective responsibility in both leadership selection and community welfare, aiming for a future free from poverty, corruption, and division as a united front of citizens.

Original Source: www.fides.org