Chronicle Editor
Roselyne Sachiti in Lilongwe, Malawi
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi yesterday attended the centenary celebrations of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), alongside political and religious leaders of Malawi at the Civil Service Sports Stadium in Lilongwe.
VP Mohadi, who was representing President Mnangagwa, joined Malawi-President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, Vice- President Dr Michael Bizwick Usi, former President Joyce Banda, former Vice-President Khumbo Hastings Kachali, and Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara, among others, at the celebrations.
He was accompanied by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Malawi Dr Nancy Saungweme, Permanent Secretary in his office Dr Benson Martins Dube and other senior Government officials.
Thousands of congregants including those from Zimbabwe gathered for the colourful worship service, which was centred around the theme: “The Lord has done great things for us.”
Speaking soon after the celebrations, VP Mohadi emphasised the significant contribution of the church to national development and the spiritual well-being of individuals. He called for enhanced collaboration between the church and the State.
“The church governs the spiritual welfare of all people in the world. The CCAP has been working with governments, especially the governments of Malawi, Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique.
“They are also involved in education. They built quite a lot of schools. If you recall in Zimbabwe, the leadership that you see today, of our age, went to mission schools,” he said.
“During the colonial era, churches came into our country preaching the word of God. Some of the churches supported the liberation movements materially or otherwise. So the church has always been our friend”.
Malawi’s President Chakwera, who started by touring exhibition stands, praised the Presbyerian church for its significant contributions to his country’s economic, educational, agricultural, and health sectors.
The CCAP, he said, built secondary schools which are crucial for national development. He encouraged Africans to take the initiative in defining and guiding the narrative of evangelism.
“The gospel did not come to Africa to die in Africa even though missionaries who came, some of them are buried here… The gospel must emanate from Africa to the rest of the world because today’s mission is from nation to nation,” said President Chakwera.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Right Reverend Dr Shaw Paterson, congratulated the CCAP on reaching a remarkable milestone of 100 years. He urged the congregants to persist in their mission of sharing the message of God.
CCAP General Assembly Moderator, Rt Rev Biswick Nkhoma, stated that his church is actively engaged in projects and initiatives aimed at supporting efforts by African governments to foster resilient communities.
“For example, we are supporting the government of Malawi in realising Pillar 5 of the Malawi Vision 2063 on human capital through our universities and colleges such as the University of Victoria.
“Our church was founded on diversity, tradition, and ethnic groups. We celebrate unity in diversity. We have one main CCAP and one Christ to serve,” he said.
This commemoration is significant as it unites leaders and partners from around the globe.
The CCAP, a transnational denomination headquartered in Malawi, comprises five synods. Malawi is home to three synods: Blantyre, Nkhoma, and Livingstonia with the Zambia Synod and the Harare Synod added..
Since its inception in 1924 on the continent, the CCAP has made notable contributions to evangelism, education, and healthcare in multiple African countries, including Zimbabwe.
The CCAP Harare Synod is currently involved in initiatives through the Malawi Embassy.
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