The Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) has distances itself from the Pastors who, on Friday, met and politically offer support to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika.
During a prayer session at the former president’s Page House in Mangochi, the Pastors urged Mutharika not to be discouraged by opposition or obstacles on his path to the upcoming elections in September.
Over 70 pastors, bother serving and retired were in attendance.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Church said it has noted with deep concern the visit and statements made at the function and attributed to the Synod or its leadership are not only false but also unfortunate and concerning.
“The Synod would like to publicly confirm that it neither sanctioned, approved nor in any way endorsed the said visit. The ministers concerned did so in their individual capacity and for their own personal interests. They did not represent the Synod, its leadership or their individual congregations and congregants.
“The statements made at the function are personal views of the speakers and do not in anyway reflect the views of the Synod. The General Secretary is the only official spokesperson of the Synod as mandated by our Constitution Article 4.5.2 (r). The same article provides that in the absence of the General Secretary the Deputy shall be the spokesperson.
“The Synod is aware of the discomfort that the visit has caused amongst its Christians and other stakeholders. We would like to assure you all that the Synod shall always remain non-partisan as it adheres to its constitutional mandate of proclaiming the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: the preservation of the truth; and the promotion of social righteousness and well-being of mankind according to the Scriptures and Presbyterian/Reformed Church tradition (Isaiah 33:22, Acts 5:29, Rom 13:1-2, 1 Pet 2:13-17). John Calvin (1509-1564 Institute of Christian Religion) once said.” The Church and State as servants of Christ. two interdependent entities each receives its own authority from the Sovereign God.” In this regard, Blantyre Synod remains a faithful servant to God, the partner of Government and other development partners and shall jealously guard against external forces that aim to antagonise our ministers and our Christians, especially during this time as we approach the General Elections,” reads part of the statement signed by Rev Humphreys Zgambo and Rev Anderson Juma, Synod Moderator and General Secretary respectively
