By Yankho Kandio,
The Anglican Church in Malawi has reaffirmed its commitment to complementing government’s efforts in social and economic development through education, health, gender justice and early childhood development initiatives.
The remarks were made by Chairperson of the Anglican Council in Malawi and Bishop of Upper Shire Diocese, Right Reverend William Mchombo, after he held discussions with Salima District Commissioner, James Mwenda, on Tuesday where they outlined ongoing and future programmes.
Bishop Mchombo said the church has rolled out projects such as Moments that Matter, which promotes quality parenting for children from conception to age three, and a gender justice project that supports vulnerable girls to access education.
“We are also implementing projects in climate change, waste management and community savings schemes that improve household economic resilience,” he said.
He added that the church plans to establish a fully-fledged development arm to professionalize the coordination and delivery of social projects across the four dioceses of Malawi, learning from Zambia’s Anglican Church which runs the Zambia Anglican Council Outreach Programme (ZACOP).
“We want the clergy to concentrate on their spiritual mandate while trained professionals manage the social arm of the church,” he said.
Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa, His Grace Albert Chama, who presides over Malawi, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, said the church’s programmes are meant to uplift vulnerable groups.
“The government and the church serve the same people. We must therefore work hand in hand to improve their lives, both physically and spiritually,” he said.
Salima District Commissioner, James Mwenda, who hosted the high-profile delegation, commended the church for aligning its work with government development strategies
“As government, we are pleased that the church is complementing our efforts in education and health, which are the backbone of development. It is important that we continue sharing notes so that there is no duplication of resources and that the people benefit more,” Mwenda said.
The Anglican Church in Malawi has four dioceses covering the entire country: Northern Malawi, Lake Malawi, Southern Malawi and Upper Shire. Through its planned development wing, it seeks to harmonise interventions and strengthen partnerships with government and stakeholders.
