The Catholic Bishops have bemoaned the interference of government in fighting against corruption in the country following the involvement of presidential cabinet ministers in corrupt practices.
This was disclosed Pastoral Letter, ‘Living Our Faith’ issued by the Catholic Bishops on March 6, 2022.
In the letter, the Catholic Bishops disclosed that operations in fighting against corruption have slowed down in government statutory corporations, ministries, departments and agencies due to delayed approvals from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) which is contributing to inefficiency and under-performance in the public service.
The Catholic Bishops also expressed their dismayed in the recent revelations concerning the plunder of public resources by foreign nationals in partnership with corrupt politicians and civil servants in the country.
The Bishops pointed out political appeasements and patronage and continued pressure and interference by the Office of the President and Cabinet in the operations of parastatais as contributing factors.
The Church body has called upon independence of the parastatals and the leadership to intervene and provide the necessary executive political leadership in these government entities.
They have also denounced the siding of those responsible for the plunder of resources instead of the poor victims of corruption.
The Catholic Bishops have also expressed their dismay in the ongoing move to enact the abortion laws, which they believe is a new threat to human life and dignity.
They have described the move as authorization of murder, which the Church said will maintain it’s stand on defending and protecting the life of the unborn children.
The Bishops however, applauded all those who risk everything they have by standing up to corruption, saying they are shining examples of St. Paul’s exhortation.
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness instead, but instead expose them. Let us all say “NO” to corruption,” reads the Pastoral letter in part.
Meanwhile, in the conclusion, the Catholic Bishops have said, the issues which they have raised in the Pastoral letter require ongoing reflection and action to be easily implemented.
” We place these reflection under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Patronage of Mary, Queen of Malawi and of Africa,” concludes the Pastoral letter.
Meanwhile Information Minister Gospel Kazako has welcome the pastoral letter saying government will look seriously into issues raised,