REECHOING THE PROPHETIC VOICE OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS
BY: FR. CHRISTOPHER SICHINGA
On 13th March 2016, the Catholic Bishops released their pastoral statement entitled: “The Mercy of God as a path of Hope”. Yes their prophetic voice on the social-political and economic issues stipulated in their pastoral letter was so garish and vibrant. The letter gave an objective analysis of our current situation of our motherland.
Our pastors raised the silent voice of the suffering Malawians in a unique and simplified manner even to the common man on the street. No one can deny that the government is doing a bare minimum than expected. The efforts demonstrated in the issues affecting Malawians today leaves a lot to be desired. Up to this date, little is done to liberate Malawi from its misery. Shall we remain like this forever?
The pastoral letter came at a right time when many Malawians were losing hope on the future of our nation. The letter was pregnant with meanings and calls to actions that may help to build a better Malawi. It’s sad that the government is giving a blind eye to the red-hot issues stated in that pastoral letter. The suggestions stipulated in the letter were to be adopted and incorporated in our policies and strategies. The government should categorically prove to us the direction our nation is driven to. Running a government without a national agenda has proved to be a total failure and lack of seriousness. Yes, Malawians should not be taken for granted.
A true assessment of our nation shows that a lot of admirable things leave a lot to be desired. Think of the number of people in our society who are uncertain and are living in agonizing situations. Increase in issues of tribalism, lack of fiscal order, dwindling standard of education, theft of government money, misplaced priorities, overall shrinking of public service delivery, the violence perpetrated to people living with albinism, rising cost of living and persistent hunger is really the concern of every patriotic Malawian.
The bishops pointed out clearly that we have lost the direction in dealing with critical issues affecting our land. This brings to my sense that as a nation we need to have a clear national plan. The national agenda has to be redefined now. Swimming through popular party initiatives that aims at gaining a political point will lead us to nowhere. Look at the way the party manifestos have been burnt and buried beyond recognition. This shows that Malawi is in need of positive developments and strategies that can transform our country.
In line with the bishops, I also challenge the entire nation and those entrusted with leadership positions to seriously and urgently consider designing policies and programs that can reduce the increasing gap between the rich and the poor. The principle of the common good should be utilized to the best of our ability.
In the present circumstance, I agree with the bishops who are calling the government to show mature leadership in addressing challenges in sections or ministries which are not performing. The bishops were right that the government service delivery system should be assessed and monitored to ensure quality delivery systems. Strong political will is required to do this instead of just wasting time and resources in less important things.
It is quite amazing and scandalous to my pious ears that the natural resources we have are underutilized or not used at all. I salute the bishops who expressed the need to see change and strong interest in managing these resources. Policies and programs should be designed and promoted in order to liberate the poor and vulnerable Malawians.
When voting for this government, Malawians expected more than the bare minimum that has been done. It is really worrisome that the government is showing less energy and proficiency in matters of liberating Malawi from its dilapidating state. Even security itself is a problem. I’m tempted to ask if at all Malawi is still the warm heart of Africa. Even the world is watching and waiting for a better Malawi.
Our pastors lamented that we need transformative leaders. The idea is to build an effective service delivery in all spheres of life. As a patriotic Malawian, I feel that there is room for improvement. The government and the opposition should work hand in hand in finding lasting solution to the problems affecting our nation today.
We are tired of the snoozing and harmless opposition that does not support and scrutinize government policies. All the arms of the government and the opposition should act maturely and meaningfully. Political party publicity stunts will lead us to nowhere.
Our caring pastors did not spare to express the need to care for creation. Indeed this is a universal obligation for every citizen. It is a requirement of our faith regardless of which denomination one belongs to. Up to this date, nothing serious has been done at national level.
In a nutshell, the pastoral letter was an eye opener. A key to better Malawi, It was an invitation to all of us to co-operate with the government in changing things for the better. Indeed this is the time to see things with a critical mind, judge objectively and act for the good of our nation.
What we desire to see now as the bishops suggested is the efforts and the strong courage of the government in redefining the national agenda. The government has to intensify as soon as possible efforts of large scale irrigation schemes. The parliament on the other hand should promote and defend life by voting no to any legislation that threatens life. Every Malawian is invited to stand up for the development of our land. The Catholic bishops reminded us that nobody can develop Malawi except Malawians themselves. Three months down the line, what have we done?
WHO IS FR. CHRISTOPHER SICHINGA?
Fr. Sichinga is a Diocesan Priest from the Diocese of Mangochi.He was ordained as a Priest in 2012 and currently serving as Youth Chaplain and Vocations Director for the Diocese of Mangochi.He is also the National Secretary for the Association for the Diocesan Catholic Clergy of Malawi (ADCOM).