Bishop warned against receiving money from politicians
Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church has urged the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Mzuzu not to receive money from politicians, but to support the needy and the oppressed.
Mtumbuka, whose statements have been controversial of late, made the remarks yesterday in Mzuzu where Auxiliary Bishop Yohane Suzgo Nyirenda was being consecrated and the guest of honour was President Lazarus Chakwera.
In his homily, Mtumbuka urged the new bishop to entertain all political parties, dine with politicians “but not to get their bags”.
The Karonga Diocese bishop was seemingly warning Nyirenda not to serve or receive money from politicians.
He said: “Be resilient! When Khumbo Kachali, Saulos Chilima or Kamlepo Kalua, give you some rice, please eat. When they give you some water, drink, but don’t carry their bags. Don’t do that!
“Be receptive of all politicians, if someone from Aford or Malawi Congress Party or Democratic Progressive Party, wants to meet you, please meet them, eat and drink but don’t get anything from them.
“Our boss is God! We are not enemies of politicians, but we only report to God.”
The bishop also urged Nyirenda to fight for the rights of the poor and always ensure they are protected.
On his part, Nyirenda asked for God’s grace and for the faithful to continue praying for him as he takes his new role in the diocese.
President Chakwera said leaders are on an assignment from God and must ask themselves whether or not they are fulfilling their missions.
According to the Episcopal Conference of Malawi, Nyirenda will serve as an assistant to the Ordinary of the Diocese, Bishop John Alphonsus Ryan, in giving pastoral care to people of God and meeting the administrative needs of the diocese.
Born on June 20 1976 and ordained priest on July 19 2008, Nyirenda comes from Wozi in Mzimba District.
Duties of an auxiliary bishop are given by the diocesan bishop and vary depending on the auxiliary bishop, the ordinary and the needs of the diocese
