Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese has denied that Catholic bishops have been bribed into silence on prevailing socio-economic challenges, saying the church will issue a pastoral letter at the appropriate time.
Speaking during Missionary Sunday Mass at St Anthony of Padua Parish in Blantyre yesterday, the cleric urged Christians to speak out on issues affecting them instead of waiting for bishops to issue a pastoral letter.
Msusa said it is wrong for people to accuse bishops of taking bribes simply because they have not issued a Pastoral Letter.
“Every baptised Christian has the gift of prophecy. Speak out. We will write the Pastoral Letter at the right time,” he said.
the right time . | Courtesy of NAC
Msusa cited disparities in the availability of foreign exchange, questioning why importers could access forex to purchase vehicles while fuel procurement continued to face challenges.
“Forex to import cars is available, but forex to buy fuel is not. No medicines in public hospitals, but medicines are available in private hospitals. You are all seeing this but you remain silent,” he said.
Malawi continues to experience erratic supplies of petrol and diesel, with Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority attributing the shortages partly to the country’s foreign exchange constraints.
Foreign exchange shortages and outstanding payments to suppliers have also been cited among the challenges affecting medicine procurement for public health facilities.
Msusa’s remarks come amid previous public criticism from Catholic Church leaders over the country’s socioeconomic and governance challenges.
Last month, Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops president Bishop Martin Mtumbuka criticised persistent power outages, the mismanagement of public enterprises and what he described as the exploitation of some parastatals by powerful politicians and their associates.
Pastoral letters are statements through which the Catholic bishops provide analysis and guidance on the country’s socioeconomic and political situation.
In 2025, the bishops issued a pastoral letter titled ‘Who will roll away the stone for us’, which was read out in Catholic churches nationwide just six months before the September 16 2025 General Election. The letter urged voters to elect leaders with integrity, courage and selflessness to address the country’s challenges.
On March 6 1992, bishops released the pastoral letter, ‘Living Our Faith’ which preceded a sweeping wind of political change, marked by the massive transition from one party era to multi-party democracy.
