“Disrespectful, offensive to Catholic faith”: Youths in Malawi Condemn Portrayal of Religious Life at University Event

“We strongly condemn the portrayal of religious life in a way that misrepresents the character of those who are religious. Such depictions inaccurately reflect the values and behaviors that adherents uphold,” the council says.

Additionally, Malawi’s national youth council denounces “the inappropriate use of sacramentals, such as the rosary, which are cherished by Catholics and serve as essential tools for expressing and living out our Catholic faith.”

The youth leadership says that the actions of some students during the social event at the university “displayed intolerance and a lack of respect for the religious beliefs of others, particularly those of Catholics.”

Such behavior, the National Youth Executive of CYCM says in the two-page statement, “threatens to undermine the religious tolerance that we value in our country.”

“We call upon the youth and all Malawians to uphold and promote religious tolerance and to desist from conduct that would provoke members of any faith,” the youth council says, urging Catholics “to exercise restraint and Holy Spirit-led discernment whenever they encounter conduct that undermines or insults our faith.”

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Besides the events that transpired at the university over the weekend, the youth reaffirm their belief in the freedom of expression enjoyed by all citizens of the Southern African country, including the youth. They also call for respect for the freedom of religious beliefs, as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

“We are deeply committed to promoting respect, modesty, and dignity within our faith. We acknowledge that all citizens, including the youth, have the freedom to express their creativity in various ways and on different occasions,” the youths say.

The Catholic youth leaders urge the people of God in Malawi to remain steadfast in love for each other, to respect and uphold religious tolerance, and to “refrain from any conduct that would provoke or insult other faiths.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.