Blantyre Synod sets August for polls
CCAP Blantyre Synod will this August elect new office bearers. Hot contenders for the post of General Secretary are Reverends Lazarus Kadango of Mangochi congregation, Paul Mawaya of Michiru congregation and the incumbent Alexander Maulana. JAMES CHIMPWEYA posed questions to them on their vision and the following were their answers.
May we know you?
Kadango
I am Rev. Lazarous Daniel Kadango; born on February 1 1971. I Come from Kambidzi Village, T/A Kwataine, Ntcheu. I am married to Loveness and we have a son and daughters. I graduated from Zomba Theological College with diploma in theology in 1997 and was ordained minister of Word and Sacrament on June 7 1998. I have served congregations of Mpatsa in Shire Valley (1997-1999); Makande at Ngabu (1999-2004); Chiradzulu Boma (2007-2008) and Mangochi (2012 to the present day). I graduated with a in BA in music (2007), BA Honors Music (2010) and MA Music (2013) from Fort Hare University in South Africa. Currently, I am doing my PhD in Literature and Philosophy Music (2nd year part-time).
Mawaya
No response.
Synod for at least 11 years
Maulana
No response.
Why do you think people nominated you?
Kadango
Basing on my work experience and performance as administrator for the three presbyteries which I have served—Shire Valley South Presbytery (1999-2004), Chiradzulu Presbytery (2007-2008) and Mangochi Presbytery (2012 up to now). Also because of my managerial skills, which I acquired from Corat Management Centre in Kenya (2002).
Mawaya
I was nominated by three Presbyteries out of 18 Presbyteries that make CCAP Blantyre Synod. I was nominated to contest for the position of general secretary. The presbyteries are Blantyre North, Chikhwawa and Chiuta (Area around Liwonde and Chiponde). There are three basic reasons I am able to see:
. These are among few presbyteries that conducted an objective voting process in tandem with the spirit of ‘representative principle’ identified with presbyterian church governance and ‘free will’ of men and women of God taught in the scriptures.
. There is a general understanding within the fold of the CCAP Blantyre Synod that there is need to change the current leadership. The proposition the three presbyteries are making to the entire synod is to consider my candidature as representing that change in the forthcoming August elections.
. There is general dissatisfaction within the fibre of our church towards the current synod leadership for failing to uphold moral integrity, good spirituality, doctrinal discipline, managerial transparency and financial prudence.
Maulana
Having been in the office for four years, I believe honest people are satisfied with what I have delivered so far. And they still have trust that I can also do much better during my second and last term. But all in all, God has not finished with me, I believe.
How much do you know about CCAP Blantyre Synod?
Kadango
Being Presbytery Clerk (administrator) for nine years has given me vast experience to know much of the synod.
Mawaya
I have served the CCAP Blantyre Synod for at least 11 years and served in various portfolios at presbytery and synod levels. I have served as presbytery youth director; presbytery health and HIV and Aids coordinator and presbytery clerk for Migowi and Blantyre North for five years. I have also served as synod youth director, synod communications officer and director of missions, evangelism and training for four years. Thirdly, I have served 11 congregations and 24 prayer houses in the rural areas of Phalombe and Blantyre districts for eight years and two urban congregations in the city of Blantyre for now three years. Fourthly, I have also served one Mozambican congregation under CCAP Blantyre Synod in the border areas of Mozambique for over a year while in Phalombe. In that period, I have experienced all kinds of frustrations and successes which have served to help me understand and appreciate the grace of God within the CCAP Blantyre Synod. My understanding is that CCAP Blantyre Synod is one of the most blessed synods in Malawi—filled with all kinds of riches ready to be used to the maximum for the glory of God. It should be better said that CCAP Blantyre Synod is a sleeping giant!
Maulana
I have been in the synod since I was a child and became a Born Again Christian in the same and now received God’s call into this holy ministry 25 years ago. So, I know the synod very well.
There is a claim that politicians sometimes sponsor candidates running for church positions, is this in order?
Kadango
since I was a child
It is out of order for Church candidates to be sponsored by a political party since that compromises the prophetic role of the church.
Mawaya
The CCAP Blantyre Synod teaches us to complement the State. Our relationship with the State is that we are institutions that have different and independent obligations and functions that we play in serving the good of the society. Any political sponsorship is seriously discouraged within the fold of CCAP Blantyre Synod.
Based on the scripture, believers are required to adhere to the governing laws of the land in order to support the stability of the society under the structure that God has placed in the nation. As a church, we are neither bed-fellows of politicians nor does the church wheels of change get their financial grease from politicians. Otherwise, our irresponsible relationship with politics and politicians can effectively impair our commitment to providing objective priestly and prophetic functions to the political enterprise and the general society.
Maulana
I have no knowledge of a candidate who is being sponsored by politicians. But to answer your question, it is not in order because my belief is that you cannot buy people to vote you. If God does not want you, money cannot work. These are spiritual matters.
Should synod condone homosexuality?
Kadango
speaks for itself
Blantyre Synod should not adopt homosexuality since that has no biblical backing as the creation teachings in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 emphasise on man and woman, not man to man or woman to woman.
Mawaya
Based on our tradition, practice and understanding of the scripture, the church should neither adopt nor accept homosexuality as a practice. Homosexuality is sin! Therefore, homosexuals should be reached out with love and the gospel and by God’s grace repent of their sins and experience the deliverance of God to His glory.
Maulana
No response
Should candidates in church elections campaign like politicians?
Kadango
It is out of order for candidates in this election to campaign like politicians, but let people rate and vote for the candidate basing on performance and integrity.
Mawaya
It is out of order for church leaders to campaign like politicians do. Church leaders should emulate Jesus Christ who humbled Himself and served the people of the world. Although, they crucified Him on the cross, today many are serving Him sacrificially. The election is the work of God and no one—whether he or she campaigns or not—can win without the ultimate decision of God.
Maulana
No, the Bible has not changed yet it is still the same as it was when Christianity reached Malawi.
What have you in store for the synod?
Kadango
Good management of resources, protecting the Church constitution and development at all levels.
Mawaya
People should expect positive change in staff welfare, institutional image, performance, governance, spirituality, transfers of ministers, financial, structural and infrastructural development, levels of transparency, communication, integrity, discipline, maturity, music, men, women and youth. They should be prepared for innovative enterprises that are aimed at increasing the financial base of the church and increased ministerial activities in tandem with the mission and objectives of the synod.
Maulana
My total commitment to serving the people God has entrusted me with God’s guiding wisdom for His own glory. God trusts me that I can be one of the think tanks for His people in our beloved synod.
On synod’s advisory council and its mandate
Kadango
It is a council composed of retired synod officials such as general and deputy general secretaries, moderators and vice-moderators. Their mandate is to advise sitting secretary generals and moderators since they have experience on how the synod runs its affairs.
Mawaya
Synod council of advisers was created to use the wisdom and practical advice of the former synod officials—former synod moderator, vice-synod moderator, general secretary and deputy general secretary. They have the mandate to advise incumbent synod officials.
Maulana
Constitutionally, we do not have synod advisory council, but by trust some retired ministers as well as some ministers who have been in synod positions, for example, synod moderator and vice-moderator, general secretary and deputy are from time to time asked, once again on trust, advise where necessary.
What is your stand on behaviour such as drunkeness, witchcraft and womanising which tarnish the image of the church?
Kadango
Definitely that could be a priority area since such behaviour contradicts with our calling and ordination vows. Our teaching is Christ-centric and such behaviour contradicts with what Christ requires us to be. Our constitution, practice and procedure do not support such behaviour.
Mawaya
When voted into office, I will stop [our faithful from engaging] in immoral behaviour such as drunkeness, womanising and others.
Maulana
This is a sweeping statement which does not portray or represent the picture of the CCAP. In other words, it is not true and it is unfair and unChristian to say such a sweeping statement. [The behaviour of] an individual or two cannot represent the CCAP. No one can smile at such behaviour, even if you are not a Christian. n
