Malawi can do without donors—CCAP synod
CCAP Synod of Livingstonia says it is better for donors to stop supporting the country than have them tie their aid to issues of homosexuality.
Homosexuality has been at the centre of controversy in the country with donors putting pressure on the country to respect rights of homosexuals, with the country recently being forced to release from custody two suspected gays.
Since their release, government has been seen to be soft on the issues, and a number of people have protested the release and donor interference on the issue.
Synod of Livingstonia general secretary Reverend Levi Nyondo on Saturday took advantage of the funeral of first female member of Cabinet Rose Chibambo to add his voice to the protest, saying, to the synod, homosexuality is 100 percent sin and government should not tolerate it.
Vice-President Saulos Chilima, members of Parliament (MPs), judges and several leaders attended Chibambo’s funeral.
“Right now, we are mourning two deaths. We are crying for our dear sister Rose Chibambo and we are also crying over this issue of same sex marriages. The Bible is above human rights. It is better donors should stop and Malawians should die with Jesus while poor. The synod is crying for our country,” said Nyondo.
The gathering applauded Nyondo and Mzimba Hora parliamentarian the Reverend Christopher Mzomera Ngwira was also seen standing and clapping hands for Nyondo.
Chilima, who spoke right after Nyondo, did not dwell on the issue and, instead, concentrated on Chibambo’s life. He hailed her for fighting for the country’s independence and thanked God for blessing Malawi with her.
Reacting to the synod’s stand, Minister of Information, Tourism and Civic Education Jappie Mhango on Monday said time will come when Malawians will decide on the issue.
Centre for the Development of People (Cedep) executive director Gift Trapence said in a recent interview that Malawi is a secular State and religious beliefs and culture should not be used as catalysts for oppressing others.
