Pastoral Statement of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi 13th March 2016
Date
3/14/2016 3:10:30 AM
(MENAFN- The Maravi Post)
We greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ the face of the Father's mercy. God is 'rich in mercy' (Eph 2:4). He revealed Himself to Moses as 'a God merciful and gracious slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness' (Ex 34:6). In this 'fullness of time' (Gal 4:4) by his words actions and entire person Jesus of Nazareth reveals the mercy of God our Father (cf. Misericordiae Vultus 1).
Zodiak.view that Malawi is blessed with enough natural resources which if properly utilized the problem of persistent hunger will be an issue of the past. The good waters and plenty of fertile land lying idle are assets either underutilized or not used at all. We do not need to remind our Leadership and the general citizenly that Malawi is a country that largely depends on Agriculture. Let us therefore heed the Apostle's exhortation: 'If anyone is not willing to work let him not eat' (2 Thessalonians 3: 10).
On Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme (FISP) we appeal to the Government to reform it or develop an exit strategy. Whatever reforms the Government decides to undertake they must promote the interests of poor people. To become a hunger free nation it is high time the Government seriously considered investment in large scale commercialized irrigation farming infrastructure. This will create an opportunity for many Malawians to grow crops at least twice a year. This we believe is the only way of making food readily accessible and cheap.
In the same vein we are concerned about the conflicting reports regarding the whereabouts of the farm tractors and corn-Sheller machines which the Government purchased to improve agricultural production. We therefore call upon the Government to investigate this matter. We believe that it will be an act of injustice to subject poor Malawians to the repayment of the loan yet they have not benefitted from the tractors and corn-Sheller machines.
Finally we challenge our experts in the fields of agriculture and irrigation to design and promote policies and programmes that can make our country a hunger free nation. We want to point out that Government's every policy and action should be measured on the basis of whether it promotes human life enhances human dignity particularly for the poor and the vulnerable. That will be a clear demonstration of the Government's commitment to opt for the poor and the vulnerable (Mt 25:31-46).
2.11. Call for non-selective justice and mercy for all
The effects of the infamous plunder of State resources popularly known as Cashgate are still being felt everywhere in the lives of Malawians. Many sectors such as health and education are currently struggling. Every Malawian expects the State to investigate the matter and prosecute if there is enough evidence. The Government has a legal mandate to investigate and prosecute cases. The general public expects that the Government should treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves considering the serious damage and untold suffering it has brought on many poor Malawians.
Up to this point it is encouraging to note that Cashgate cases are being pursued in courts and that suspects are being tried fairly and sentences provided within the laws of the country. However the general expectation from the public has been that of anguish and anger to the years the culprits are given as punishment. Many believe that the penal code needs to be reviewed to take into consideration cases like looting of public funds of this magnitude since such cases were never considered in the past.
We wish to bring to the attention of the Government that Malawians expect more than what has been done. We are worried with the Government's tendency to prosecute some people through the media. We appeal to the Government through its relevant prosecuting agencies (Anti-Corruption Bureau - ACB Director of Public Prosecution - DPP) to investigate and prosecute such suspects if there is enough evidence. We also call upon the Government to create an enabling environment for the said agencies to independently investigate and prosecute cases without interference. We also call upon the prosecuting agencies to expedite investigations of corrupt practices with full-scale and not selective justice. We wish to remind the Government that in governance how citizens perceive their Government is as equally important as reality itself. Therefore the Government should investigate and bring to conclusion the K92 billion and K577 billion audit queries. We believe that national interests should come first before any individual gain or political expedience. All criminals should be arrested and be brought to justice because 'mercy is not opposed to justice but rather expresses God's way of reaching out to the sinner offering him a new chance to look at himself convert and believe' (Misericordiae Vultus 21).
2.12. Underutilized human resources: Doctors nurses and teachers
In keeping with the laws of justice and equity 'the Government is required to show no less energy and efficiency in the matter of providing opportunities for suitable employment graded to the capacity of the workers' (Pacem in Terris 64). While acknowledging that the Government alone is not capable of employing everybody it is wasteful to invest a lot of money and resources in the training of doctors nurses and teachers yet they cannot be absorbed into the system characterized by acute shortage of doctors nurses and teachers. This could be defined as Government sponsored brain-drain where very qualified doctors nurses and teachers have to fight unemployment elsewhere and not in their own country. Consequently this trend deprives many poor Malawians best service delivery system from those who can offer expert services.
2.13. National insecurity
The nation is currently gripped with saddening experiences of sustained cases of insecurity. Individual lives investors' and community lives among many are insecure as they go about doing their everyday business. What is more worrisome in some instances is that some police officers who are supposed to be law enforcers have joined hands with criminals terrorizing our society in an unprecedented manner.
Furthermore we condemn continued instances of communities taking laws into their own hands by torching and killing suspects due to perceived non responsiveness of our security and justice systems. We are worried that in the long run this menace will chase and scare away prospective foreign investors whilst the Government has been embarking on a serious drive to attract the much needed investors a positive initiative for our country.
We are also deeply disturbed by the reports of the killing of persons with albinism. We wish to affirm that people with albinism are human beings and their dignity must be respected and protected by all.
Pope Leo XIII noted that 'it is to the interest of the community as well as of the individual that peace and good order be maintained' (Rerum Novarum 36). We therefore appeal to all citizens and people of good will to collaborate with and support the Government's efforts to make this country a peaceful and secure nation.
2.14. Regionalism and tribalism
While we have made important strides as a country to build ourselves as a democratic nation we are worried that certain trends or forces have the potential of dividing us. Elements of regionalism and tribalism are slowly taking root in our society today. These manifest themselves in various forms especially through social political and economic exclusion and inequalities between regions and tribes. Federalism was one of such manifestations. We remind all the people of Malawi that the founding fathers and mothers of this nation invested a lot of efforts and energy to ensure that Malawians see and treat each other as brothers and sisters. 'Unity' is the cornerstone on which this nation is built. This reflects the will of our Creator that we live in mutual respect and oneness. We are called to be proud of our tribal or ethnic roots and love one another as God's children. No tribe is more valuable or important than the other. Tribalism regionalism and divisions whether economic or social are contrary to the call and truth of mankind (cf. Living our Faith p. 2-3). We are one human family regardless of our regional tribal economic political religious and ideological differences. As citizens we have the responsibility to use words and actions that unite and heal and those that promote peaceful coexistence (cf. Strengthening the Vision of our Destiny p. 14).
As Pastors we appeal to all citizens of this country to put Malawi first before any tribal or regional interests. We further appeal to all Catholics and people of goodwill to celebrate our common birth and destiny in mutual respect acceptance justice and love with those who do not share our faith and values. Let's take heed of the Apostle's words 'strive to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace one body and one Spirit as you were also called to the hope of your call; one Lord one faith one baptism; one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all' (Ephesians 4:3-6).
Finally we appeal to the Government to develop policies and programmes that ensure that all sections of the society are included. We also appeal to all Political Parties Civil Society Organizations Traditional Authorities and the Media fraternity to desist from making statements that instigate or promote hatred among peace-loving Malawians. Let the media take great care to relay the truth and not promote divisions. Many Malawians depend on the media for news entertainment and developmental programmes. Therefore use of divisive abusive and violent language is not acceptable in a democracy which encourages divergent views and opinions. Let the Gospel values the Church teaching and Media Ethics guide our media when deciding what to present to Malawians through their various media outlets (cf. Strengthen the Vision of our Destiny p. 16).
2.15. Continued tensions and conflicts in local governance systems and structures
We were happy that on May 20th 2014 we finally ushered in councilors to effectively make functional our local governance structures in Malawi. Sadly we have noted mounting tensions suspicions mistrusts and conflicts among key players in local Government. We believe if unattended to the true meaning and relevancy of local Government will be watered down and that in turn development and the ordinary citizens are the greatest losers. As such we encourage Councilors Members of Parliament Council secretariat officials and traditional leaders to learn to work together whilst respecting their separate mandates and roles but also by recognizing their complementarities.
We call upon all concerned parties to be guided by the principle of subsidiarity: 'Just as it is gravely wrong to take from individuals what they can accomplish by their own initiative and industry and give it to the community so also it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and disturbance of right order to assign to a greater and higher association what lesser and subordinate organizations can do' (CSDC 186). It therefore serves to compel groups to take responsibility for their own well-being while at the same time limiting larger bodies like the Government from undue interference.
2.16. Transformative leadership
For a long time Malawi has been crying for transformative leadership across all structures. The assumption is that Malawi needs such type of leadership if it has to be transformed economically politically and socially creating enabling better living conditions for all. God recommends leadership that is visionary transformative empowering caring serving protective people-centered and obedient to Him (Strengthening the Vision of our Destiny p. 10-11). To be transformative 'a leader should be ready to make things new bringing about changes with a positive difference not just for the sake of change' (Strengthening the Vision of our Destiny p. 15). Among others a transformative leader has the following qualities: person of vision a good steward exemplary respect for the Constitution and Rule of Law accountable democratic and God-fearing (Strengthening the Vision of our Destiny p. 14-15).
It is our view that only transformative leadership is capable of putting up a very efficient civil service that brings about effective service delivery in all spheres of life. For the sake of their people such leaders discard old ways of governing and doing politics which are probably wasteful. They are leaders who match words with actions. Good leaders must be able to set the tone'setting goals and objectives that are specific achievable and measurable reflecting people's aspirations hopes and dreams' (Strengthening the Vision of our Destiny p. 14).
We therefore appeal to the Government Political Parties Civil Society Organizations Faith-Based Organizations Religious Bodies and Traditional Authorities to seriously reflect on and embrace within their structures transformative leadership qualities (cf. Choosing our Leaders in the forthcoming elections p. 3-6; Taking Responsibility for our future: Together towards the 2009 Elections p. 7-8; Strengthening the Vision of our Destiny p. 15). Leaders across all structures should be honest trustworthy fair and truthful with a good reputation and integrity.
We the Catholics Bishops believe that these are the type of leaders who can inspire in the general citizenly active participation and a spirit of patriotism. In view of this we support the current Leadership's call to the spirit of hard work integrity and patriotism. Countries which have turned around from being failed to thriving states have largely done so through these qualities. We shall therefore continue to preach to all Malawians as we have done before that 'active participation in the building up of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen' (Strengthening the Vision of our Destiny p. 11). As Malawians we need to rediscover the spirit of patriotism and actively take part in shaping and implementing the national development agenda. Nobody can develop Malawi except Malawians. This process demands of us integrity patriotism and hard work. The rampart plundering of the country's resources in the name of Cashgate and the growing trends of corruption reflect badly on our love for the Motherland.
In this Year of Mercy a special call to transformation and repentance goes to those who either perpetrate or participate in corruption. As Pope Francis says 'Corruption prevents us from looking to the future with hope because its tyrannical greed shatters the plans of the weak and tramples upon the poorest of the poor' (Misericordiae Vultus 19). The Holy Year of Mercy is the opportune moment for each one of us to change and transform our lives. In front of the damage our country has already suffered due to serious crimes such as corruption it is time to listen to the cry of innocent people who are deprived of their property their dignity their feelings and even their very lives. All one needs to do is to accept the invitation to conversion and submit oneself to justice during this special time of mercy offered by the Church (cf. Misericordiae Vultus 19).
2.17. Mature and constructive opposition
More than two decades of plural politics we still note that the role of the Opposition parties seems to be limited to Parliamentary sessions. Through parliamentary debates Parliamentary committees Political parties and individual MPs continue to provide an oversight role to the Executive. However we feel that there is room for improvement. Firstly we expect the Opposition to work with the Government in finding solutions to problems affecting our nation especially the hunger crisis. We call upon the Opposition as the Government in waiting to offer alternative solutions to the current challenges facing this country. It is in this way that the Opposition demonstrates that it cares and feels the pain of citizenry. In difficult times like these such a role gains more importance than usual.
Secondly we expect the Opposition to do social audits and provide informed alternative policy proposals than the usual political rhetoric that only pleases the emotions of citizens and yet does not bring about a radical change of direction of things. In order to develop Malawi needs the Opposition that critically scrutinizes Government policies and strategies on the national development agenda. Ordinary Malawians expect their elected representatives in parliament to have mature and meaningful deliberations and not mere political party publicity stunts.
Thirdly we expect the Opposition to inculcate within its rank and file intra-party democracy. It is our duty to remind all leaders that 'genuine democratic leaders will consult and listen to others will appropriately delegate share power make corporate decisions and give credit where it belongs' (Strengthening the Vision of our Destiny p. 15). It is our conviction that it is within the political party that democracy starts; it is also here that it starts to fail! Intra-party politics is capable of making our democracy grow and mature. We therefore appeal to all the Opposition parties faced with infighting and factional struggles to demonstrate to Malawians that they are capable of resolving their differences in a mature way. Running the country is the responsibility of all; the party in power the Opposition parties and the general citizenry.
2.18. Care for the environment
As a nation conflicted by environmental issues we wish to make an appeal to all citizens of this country to make deliberate efforts to care for the God-given natural resources. The devastating floods and persistent droughts should act as a reminder that something has gone wrong in our relationship with nature. The Catholic tradition insists that we show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the environment is not just an activity for the National Tree Planting Day; it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet living our faith relationship in relationship with all of God's creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.
We make a strong appeal to the Government for a proper utilization of our forests in the country and examine how the harvests of these forests have benefited Malawians.
We call upon all Catholic communities and institutions of higher learning to discuss digest and disseminate the message of Holy Father Pope Francis' Laudato si' on the care of our common home. We find the message of the encyclical pertinent to our context.
Conclusion
We the Catholic Bishops as Pastors of souls acknowledge the many challenges the poor people are facing in this country. We call upon the Government to show leadership in steering the nation to hard working self-reliance and diversification of production. In the present circumstances the Government should review some of its policies and practices to ensure a change of mindset and attitudes so as to ensure national and household food security social security protection of the environment through promotion of alternative sources of energy and many other areas.
We also call upon all Malawians of goodwill to the unity of purpose by working together to implement the national agenda. In order to develop Malawi needs people of integrity sense of direction and patriotism. In this process the Government must lead by example by creating an enabling environment so that all Malawians regardless of their political affiliations can unite and deliver that national agenda.
We call upon all Catholics and people of goodwill to seriously reflect on these moral principles and values we have presented. The Scriptures say 'Without a vision the people perish' (Proverb 29:18). As Catholics we have an inspiring vision in our social teaching. In a country that hungers for a sense of meaning and moral direction Catholic Social Teaching should offer us ethical criteria for action. These principles should therefore be considered as a central part of our identity because we have been called to be the salt and the light of the earth (Mt 5: 13-16).
As St. Paul says 'neither death nor hunger will separate us from the love of Christ' it is our deep conviction that our love and trust in God is the deepest and most invincible motive for our trust in Christian hope. Even if our entire existence is surrounded by threats of hunger poverty injustices pandemics climate change etc. nothing will ever separate us from the love of Christ who in His mercy gave Himself fully for us.
We now turn to Mary the Mother of Mercy. May the sweetness of her countenance watch us in this Holy Year so that all of us may rediscover the joy of God's tenderness! May she never tire of turning her merciful eyes upon us and make us worthy to contemplate the face of mercy her Son Jesus (Misericordia Vultus 24).
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