No room for homosexuals, BT Synod GS declares

While human rights groups are still fighting for the rights of people who are practising same sex marriages—lesbians, gays, bisexual and intersex—in this country, Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbytery (CCAP) has once again strongly condemned the malpractice and advised its faithful not to tolerate it.

In his speech, the synod’s general secretary Reverend Alex Maulana, who was the guest of honour at the introduction of Reverend Manford Kutani at Nkolokoti CCAP, told the gathering that Blantyre Synod will not entertain or accept homosexuality among its members.

“Our constitution does not allow same sex marriages and as a church we shall always condemn it and we will continue teaching our followers not to be part of this sinful act. The Bible already condemned it. If God knew that there are such people who are born like that, why did he then give Eve to Adam to be his wife? Why did God punish the people of Sodom and Gommorah? Maulana asked.

However, the general secretary said the church is not against individual persons if indeed such people are there. He said the duty of the church is to help such people by giving them special prayers and counselling because they are being used by the power of the devil.

Maulana also spoke about other issues the country is going through. He cited things such as rampant corruption, withholding of donor support and hunger. He urged Malawians to be patriotic, rather than pointing an accusing finger at government.

“You are the government. We all belong to this country and it is our duty to assist the government of the day by working hard and also praying. Whether you are a businessperson, a farmer or you are working for any organisation, work hard and stop cherishing hand outs,” said Maulana.

He also urged the faithful to plant more trees and also pray for good rains.

In his homily based on scriptures on Isaiah 38: 1-12, Reverend Peter Kandulu of Likhubula Congregation advised Rev Kutani to be loyal and faithful to God in his duties. He urged the congregation to be united and be ready to take advice from Kutani if they want their church to develop in all aspects, especially, spiritually.

The ceremony was attended by several other Blantyre Presbytery ministers, traditional and political leaders, and religious leaders from other denominations. n