The Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has distanced itself from a group of ministers who recently visited former President Arthur Peter Mutharika at his residence in Mangochi, stating that the visit was neither sanctioned nor approved by the church.
On Friday, about 70 ministers from the synod led by Rev. Chikondi Achinangolo Wayson Banda visited the former president’s residence PAGE House in Mangochi for special prayers.
In a press release signed by Synod Moderator Rev. Dr. Humphreys Zgambo and General Secretary Rev. Anderson Juma, the Synod expressed deep concern over the visit and condemned statements made at the event that were falsely attributed to the church’s leadership.
The Synod further clarified that the pastors involved acted in their personal capacity and did not represent the church.
“The statements made at the function and attributed to the Synod or its leadership are not only false but also unfortunate and concerning. The Synod would like to publicly confirm that it neither sanctioned, approved nor in any way endorsed the said visit. The ministers concerned did so in their individual capacity and for their own personal interests. They did not represent the Synod, its leadership or their individual congregations and congregants,” reads part of the statement.
Blantyre Synod reaffirmed that its official views are only communicated through the General Secretary, as mandated by its constitution.
The church acknowledged the discomfort the visit has caused among its members and stakeholders, assuring them that it remains non-partisan.
The Synod also warned against external forces that seek to influence its ministers and members, especially as Malawi approaches the General Elections.
“Blantyre Synod remains a faithful servant to God, the partner of Government and other development partners and shall jealously guard against external forces that aim to antagonize our ministers and our Christians, especially during this time as we approach the General Elections.”
During the special prayers, among others, the ministers said they miss Mutharika’s leadership, and the visit they decided to pray for him so that God’s will on the former president should be fulfilled
