President Lazarus Chakwera has called on the clergy to support other stakeholders and spread messages to uphold peace during the official campaign period which starts today.
He was speaking at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday when the Lake Malawi Diocese of the Anglican Church consecrated the Very Reverend Bishop Daniel Kalonga as the diocese’s fourth bishop.
The President said during the campaign period, people will hear and say a lot, but it will take cooperation between the Church and other stakeholders to ensure peace prevails throughout the 60-day period up to the September 16 General Election.
“This campaign period should not divide us. We must remember that the campaign period will go, but our identity as Malawians will remain, so our priority should be Malawi,” said Chakwera.
The President congratulated the new Bishop and advised him to be a true servant of God by serving all people regardless of their background or identity.
He then led the people in presenting various gifts to Bishop Kalonga before departing the venue as he is expected to continue with his engagements in the Southern Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Anglican Council of Malawi chairperson the Right Reverend Bishop William Mchombo warned political leaders against provocative messages during the campaign.
He said action, not just mere condemnation, should be taken on those found to be involved in political violence.
Said Mchombo: “Give people hope by articulating your manifestos well. Don’t force people to follow you out of fear, but tell them what you will do for them and how you will do it.
“Our security agents should be impartial, especially this time of campaign as well as during elections and after. No one should influence how the police or any security agency do their work.”
Turning to the church ministers, he urged them to speak boldly when they see acts of injustice.
In his homily, main celebrant Archbishop Albert Chama of the Province of Central Africa advised the new bishop to treat all his flock equally and lead the diocese forward.
“The journey you have begun is not an easy one. Expect to sail through a lot. You will meet people of different attitudes, some who want to drive you forward and some who want to pull you back, but you must love all of them equally,” he said.
Chama further asked Chakwera to support Bishop Kalonga and other members of the clergy for the sake of development.
Bishop Kalonga, who has replaced Emeritus Francis Frank Kaulanda, pledged to discharge his duties without fear or favour in line with his calling by God.
The ceremony brought together the clergy from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, which form the Central African Province of the Anglican Church.
