A grouping called the Concerned Faith Leaders have expressed concern over Roman Catholic Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa’s sentiments on the Vice President’s Commission of Inquiry’s report as failing short of the values he stands for as a faith leader.
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This follows Msusa’s remarks on Tuesday evening at Limbe Cathedral in Blantyre during a Christmas vigil mass, where he called for a thorough investigation which will bring about the much needed closure to the people of Malawi on the death of the late VP Saulos Chilima and eight others who perished in a place crash on 10th June this year.
In his homily, the Bishop did not mince words indicating that he’s not convinced with the narrative coming from those who did the investigation insisting that the truth will be known eventually.
Led by Pastor Hope Nkhoma, the grouping through a press briefing in Lilongwe applauded Msusa over the roles he’s played as a church leader, but went on to fault his remarks concerning the report of inquiry on the Chikangawa plane crash.
He described the words from the Roman Catholic Head as going against efforts aimed at bringing peace among Malawians noting they have the potential to cause divisions in the country.
Nkhoma said the Archbishop missed an opportunity to provide the message of healing and hope among Malawians following the June 10 plane crash.
He further faulted the choice of words used by the Bishop arguing they undermined the collective responsibility to foster national stability instead of serving as a beacon of hope comfort and encouragement.
“At a time when Malawi is embarking on a healing trajectory, the Bishop’s remarks could’ve served as beacon of hope comfort and encouragement; helping the nation to heal from a deep and painful wound that no single commission of inquiry can heal and the painful loss that no commission of inquiry can reverse for such commissions are only meant to be part of the healing process and not the whole process.
“So when we see the function and scrutinize the people that we’re talking to, having different minds, having different understandings, other people may take them out of context and incite some things that are not gonna be good for our country.”
The religious leaders however commended the Justice Jabbar Alide led Commission of Inquiry for doing its work in a transparent and professional manner.
When asked why they did not take any stance following the recent disruptions of demonstrations in Lilongwe by armed thugs, the religious leaders who did not disclose the faith groups they represent, responded that they will do so at another time as the briefing was solely meant to tackle the issues in Msusa’s sermon.
