Mutharika, clergy discuss albino killings
President Peter Mutharika has asked the clergy to break the cycle of moral decadence which has left people with albinism at risk of being killed by those who believe albino bones can be used to get rich quick.
Mutharika made the call when he met the clergy from an array of churches at Mzuzu State Lodge on Saturday.
During the meeting, the pastors, largely drawn from what are considered small churches, asked Mutharika to make sure security agents and the criminal justice take a tough stance in clamping down on killers of people with albinism.
The Northern Region is considered a trade route for human parts due to its proximity to East Africa, especially Tanzania where the killings began almost 20 years ago.
The President said: “God has chosen you in this generation to ensure the spiritual welfare of this nation. We expect you to teach and condemn problems of human trafficking [some of networks are actually hiding behind church work]; condemn corruption; theft; intolerance; and the killing of albinos.
a meeting with them at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe
“These and other devilish acts are committed by your flock! You have the duty to ensure that Malawi has the right moral character.”
He reckoned the Church and the State share the common duty of serving God’s people, they are partners in building a nation of patriotism, integrity and hard work.
The religious delegation was led by Reverend Nashon Zonda, general secretary of Church of African Presbyterian.
Conspicuously missing at the face-to-face meeting were representatives of the CCAP Livingstonia Synod who are critical of Mutharika’s leadership style, especially the continued use of the quota system of selecting learners to public universities.
Zonda thanked the President for giving religious leaders of all walks an opportunity to articulate issues of national importance.
Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi’s Sheik Al-haji Sailesi Kalonga described the meeting as inclusive.
In an interview later, presidential adviser on religious affairs Apostle Timothy Khoviwa said even minor churches the size of Last Church have a voice to be heard by their president.
Two weeks ago, the President, during an audience with CCAP Blantyre Synod clergy at Sanjika Palace also asked the clergy to fight albino killings. A week later, Archbishop Tarcizius Ziayaye of Lilongwe Archdiocese of the Catholic Church condemned albino killers, saying perpetrators were committing an inhumane sin.
