Catholic Parliamentarians in Malawi Challenged to Consult Church Social Teaching in Debating Motions

Zomba, 05 December, 2024 / 9:00 PM

The Bishop of Zomba Diocese in Malawi has urged Catholic Members of the Parliament (MPs) to always refer to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) while making decisions during debates on Bills and other discussions.

Speaking during a meeting with the legislatures at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lilongwe, Bishop Alfred Mateyu Chaima encouraged the MPs to view their political roles as a vocation to serve others, particularly the poor, as stipulated in the CST.

“The Catholic Social Teaching is pro-poor and it provides the vision for a more just society, protects the dignity of every person, and enables integral human development,” Bishop Chaima said in a Thursday, December 5 report following the meeting.

He said that the CST gives a Catholic lawmaker clear guidance on what decision to make whether passing bills or debating on issues concerning a country. 

“As Bishops, we will always be happy if you do the right things no matter what political party you belong to,” he said.

Bishop Chaima elaborated on key principles of CST, including human dignity, the sanctity of life, the common good, subsidiarity, solidarity, and preferential options for the poor.

The Bishop who has been at the helm of the Malawian Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in June 2023 stressed that the principles should influence decision-making, human conduct, and development planning.

“Human life is sacred, and no human has the power to terminate it at any stage. All work and services must serve the interests of all, and decisions must favor the poor,” he said. 

Referring to the biblical story of Jesus feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish, Bishop Chaima reminded the Catholic MPs that Malawi’s resources should be used for the benefit of all citizens, saying, “By doing so, you will be God’s stewards."

Speaking at the same meeting, Fr. Henry Chinkanda, the ECM Parliamentary Liaison Chaplain, highlighted the importance of Catholics engaging in politics.

“The MPs have accepted the Pope’s call that a good Catholic should meddle in politics and offer services to God’s people,” Fr. Chinkanda said, adding, “The Church appreciates their service and will always encourage and guide them.”

On his part, The Minister of Lands and Chairman of the Parliament Catholic Community, Deus Gumba, expressed gratitude to the Catholic Bishops in Malawi for their continued engagement with legislators.

He called for continued dialogue and guidance from the Church, emphasizing the shared goal of benefiting all Malawians.

The meeting, also attended by Auxiliary Bishop Vincent Mwakhwawa of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe, aimed to strengthen the connection between the Church and Catholic legislators in their shared mission to serve the people of Malawi.