Malawi’s Bishops emphasize nonpartisanship for priests before elections, urging citizens to confront socio-economic challenges and political corruption. They advocate for awareness, accountability, and unity to overcome societal issues, concluding with a message of hope and trust in God.
In a recent pastoral letter titled “Who will roll away the stone for us?”, the Bishops of Malawi emphasize the importance of neutrality among priests during the upcoming parliamentary elections. They explicitly instruct all clergy not to endorse any political candidate or party, warning that misuse of church resources for political purposes will be prohibited.
The letter, distributed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malawi (MCCB), employs the metaphor of the Stone of the Holy Sepulchre, encouraging Malawians to confront the various “stones” that hinder their progress, including corruption, political irresponsibility, high living costs, food insecurity, and reliance on foreign aid.
The bishops urge citizens, particularly the marginalized, to become more aware of their socio-economic situations and push against the oppressive political frameworks that perpetuate poverty. They stress the necessity of united citizen action against various societal injustices and encourage a dismantling of personal complacency among the populace.
Citing serious concerns, the bishops highlight issues like the rise of “do-it-yourself” justice in rural communities, which often leads to violence, such as the murders of elderly women accused of witchcraft. They call on citizens, alongside government and community leaders, to combat this barbarism.
Concluding their message, the bishops remind the nation of the Easter theme of hope, encouraging unity and trust in God as a pathway to overcoming challenges. They advocate for the election of competent leaders, accountability in actions, and collective effort to create a prosperous future for Malawi.
The Bishops of Malawi call for political neutrality from clergy during elections, alongside a collective effort from citizens to face social challenges. They urge awareness of oppressive structures and the need to combat individual complacency, emphasizing a united stance against injustice. Ultimately, their message is one of hope, encouraging faith in God and action towards a better future.
Original Source: www.fides.org
