The Bishops of Malawi implore clergy to remain neutral in politics and encourage citizens to take responsibility for societal issues. They address various obstacles affecting malawian society, such as poverty, corruption, and violence, urging collective action to overcome these challenges. The bishops stress that significant change requires unity and the election of capable leaders.
In a recent Lenten pastoral letter titled “Who will roll away the stone for us?” the Bishops of Malawi have issued a directive to all clergy, stating, “We order all our priests not to take sides or favour any candidate or political party.” This warning comes just six months ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 16, underscoring the necessity for impartiality within church leadership regarding political matters.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malawi (MCCB) employs the metaphor of the Stone of the Holy Sepulchre to inspire Malawians to take control of their lives and address numerous societal issues. They identify various obstacles, or “stones,” such as corruption, political indifference, economic hardships, food insecurity, and unemployment, urging citizens to act decisively and foster awareness among the populace.
The bishops emphasize the importance of citizens, particularly those who are impoverished and marginalized, reflecting upon and challenging their socio-economic conditions. Collective action is critical to overcoming the barriers of poverty and suffering, as noted in the letter: “The stone that keeps millions of Malawians in the grave of poverty and suffering will not be rolled away until citizens take a united stand.” The bishops also stress the need to combat societal issues such as dependency, laziness, and vigilante justice, particularly in rural areas.
Moreover, the pastoral letter highlights that violence and injustice, often fueled by superstition against vulnerable populations, must be addressed by societal leaders. The bishops affirm, “Citizens themselves inflict a lot of suffering on each other. Besides the Government, traditional as well as religious leaders have a big task to address this very barbaric behaviour in our society.”
In closing, the bishops remind the faithful that through trust in God and a collective effort to dismantle the obstacles of poverty, corruption, and division, a brighter future for Malawi is achievable. They encourage the electorate to choose capable leaders and take ownership of both their responsibilities and their environment.
The Bishops of Malawi have unequivocally called for neutrality in political matters among clergy, emphasizing the need for societal unity and action against poverty and suffering. Their pastoral message serves as an urging to the citizens, especially marginalized groups, to reflect upon their socio-economic conditions and work collaboratively towards a better future. The call to duty extends to community leaders and citizens alike, highlighting the critical need for reform and engagement in the upcoming electoral process.
Original Source: www.fides.org
