Clergy asks APM to be focused

A group of clerics yesterday urged President Peter Mutharika to be focused in leading the nation through the critical challenges it is facing.

Speaking at the meeting with Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malawi said the President has a duty to lead the country in the best way he can.

Said Bvumbwe: “We want to encourage you that God appointed you and he will be with you. Therefore, remain focused because your duty is to lead this nation during this critical moment.”

In his remarks, the President said he expects support from the clergy as he discharges his duty of serving God’s people.

Said Mutharika: “Politics and religion are not in contradiction because both church and State share the common duty of serving God’s children. Therefore, I expect your support in a number of dimensions.

“First, constructive criticism. It is because I have taken this kindly that I have never answered back and I hasten to answer back against well-meaning voice of religious leaders. You and I are people sanctioned by God in different ways. If you support me and I support you, we will serve our God better.”

Soon after Mutharika’s statement, Archbishop Thomas Msusa of the Archdiocese of Blantyre of Catholic Church said he respects the President’s love for dialogue as displayed by his various meetings with different groups of society.

The meeting, which was held in camera, saw over 20 religious leaders from the Christian and Muslim communities share insights with the President.