Believers promoting discrimination—Anglican priest
A priest in the Anglican Diocese of the Upper Shire Fr. Willard Kamandani has criticised Christians for contributing to the proliferation of Aids-related discrimination by passing judgment on people living with HIV and Aids (PLWHAs).
Kamandani made the remarks in Luchenza on Tuesday when he presided over activities to mark this year’s World Aids Day.
The cleric observed that many Christians are too judgmental towards PLWHAs. He said this has significantly contributed to the entrenched culture of stigma and discrimination among people infected and affected by the pandemic.
Kamandani warned that some believers will miss salvation because of judging others based on their health or other social factors.
“The Bible teaches us through James 4:11—12 that ‘anyone who speaks against or judges a brother is doing so against law and judges it.’ Now if you judge law, you are, not a doer of law, but a judge. But beware because there is only one lawgiver and judge who can save and destroy. So, who are you to be judging your neighbour?” wondered the priest.
Kamandani also condemned faith groups that are stopping their members from taking anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs), saying such churches are endangering the lives of their believers.
“My faith leaders ought to know that there are so many ways God can intervene in our situations and medication is one of them when we’re taken ill,” said the priest.
