Pastors condemn ritual albino attacks
Pastors of Churches of Christ in Malawi (CCM) last Friday condemned the ritual attacks and killings aimed at people living with albinism in the country, saying government and all Malawians of goodwill should be vigilant in curbing such attacks.
Moderator of CCM, Reverend Tendance Suya, said this when he closed a two-day CCM pastors conference at Chilema Ecumenical Training and Conference Centre in Zomba.
“Our appeal goes to government and every Malawian to be vigilant in curbing such attacks. They are also being reminded of the words of our Lord Jesus Christ that helping our brothers and sisters with albinism is helping our Lord as it is alluded to in Matthew 25:40 that whosoever helps those living on the edge, they do it to our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Suya.
The conference, which was held under the theme ‘Healing Hope in Action’, attracted several pastors led by general secretary of Council for World Mission (CWM) Reverend Collin Cowan and students of CCM. Cowan encouraged members of the clergy of CCM in Malawi to emulate Joseph’s example who had been sold by his brothers to foreigners but did not revenge the misdeeds, according to Genesis 45:1-5.
CCM Mission programme officer Reverend Goodwin Zainga talked about the seven pillars of pastoral care and counseling; Reverend Sidiso Jere, CWM Africa region secretary, spoke about empowerment programmes; CCAP Blantyre Synod Chilema executive director Reverend Clifford Nyekanyeka talked about the role of a minister in changing times whereas Reverend Lydia Neshangwe, from the Uniting Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa-Zimbabwe Synod, challenged the pastors on inclusive ministry on the ordination of women. n
