The Catholic Bishops of Malawi have mandated clergy to remain politically neutral ahead of the September elections. In their Lenten pastoral letter, they address critical issues affecting Malawians, such as poverty and corruption. They encourage citizens to take responsibility for their socio-economic conditions and advocate for societal change collectively. The bishops emphasize the need for capable leadership in addressing these challenges.
The Catholic Bishops of Malawi have issued a strong directive to their priests, demanding neutrality and forbidding any political favoritism in the lead-up to the elections scheduled for September 16. This admonition is part of their Lenten pastoral letter titled “Who will roll away the stone for us?” The bishops emphasized that using church resources for political purposes is unacceptable.
In their message, the Bishops’ Conference of Malawi likens their call to action to the rolling away of the Stone of the Holy Sepulchre. They urge the citizens to confront and dismantle barriers that perpetuate poverty and suffering, listing key issues such as corruption, inadequate political commitment, high living costs, food insecurity, and reliance on foreign aid. They advocate for citizens, particularly the marginalized, to reflect critically on their socio-economic conditions and strive for political reform.
The bishops encourage Malawians to collectively demand accountability, stating that the deep-seated issues of poverty and hunger will persist as long as citizens remain passive. They also highlight the need to combat societal issues such as idleness and the unjust practices of vigilante justice that often result in tragic outcomes, particularly in rural communities.
Furthermore, the bishops stress the collective responsibility of the government, traditional, and religious leaders to address violence and discrimination in society. They implore their fellow citizens to unite in trust towards God, emphasizing the potential for positive change through collective action and informed electoral choices. Their concluding message is one of hope for Malawi’s future if the obstacles of poverty, corruption, and societal division are addressed collaboratively.
In summary, the Catholic Bishops of Malawi strongly advocate for political neutrality among clergy while urging citizens to confront the systemic issues that lead to poverty and suffering. They call for a united effort to challenge oppressive governance and promote social responsibility. The bishops underline the importance of accountability in the upcoming elections and encourage the populace to seek capable leadership, emphasizing communal effort and faith in God as keys to overcoming societal challenges.
Original Source: www.fides.org
