By any measure of logic, reason, or spiritual integrity, one would expect church leaders—those who preach righteousness and justice every Sunday—to stand with the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. But the Livingstonia Synod, or rather its most vocal reverends, seem determined to flip that sacred script.
Yesterday, the Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested former Minister Jappie Mhango. The allegations are no small matter: abusing ministerial power, selling government houses at suspiciously low prices to close associates—including a relative—and then lying about it under oath. That, dear reader, is theft in broad daylight. That is an insult to every tax-paying Malawian who struggles to access quality health care, decent education, or even safe drinking water.
But instead of allowing the legal process to unfold, reverends from the Livingstonia Synod, Reverend Timothy Nyasulu and Reverend Matiya Nkhoma decided to waltz into this mess with what they call “solidarity visits.” Solidarity? With a corruption suspect? One wonders: is this a church, or a political cheerleading squad?
Let’s be clear. This isn’t about guilt or innocence. It’s about process. It’s about principle. If a man is accused of wrongdoing, he should face justice—not enjoy tea and prayers with religious leaders hoping to influence public sympathy and quietly intimidate investigators. That’s not solidarity. That’s interference.
The hypocrisy is stunning. These same reverends, with straight faces, preach against greed and corruption from the pulpit. They denounce politicians for plundering national wealth. But the minute someone they know—or support politically—is arrested, they run to his defense. So which is it, gentlemen of the cloth? Are you defenders of truth, or part-time lobbyists for the politically connected?
One would expect such conduct from career politicians—those like Norman Chisale and the DPP entourage who also showed up in Mzuzu. But clergy? Reverends? This isn’t pastoral care. It’s reputational suicide.
Compare this to the Catholic Church. When the late Vice President Saulos Chilima faced corruption allegations, did any bishop rush to his door with Bible verses and “solidarity”? No. They let the law speak. Because justice, like faith, demands consistency—not convenience.
So, to the Livingstonia Synod: choose your lane. You cannot condemn corruption from the pulpit and then cuddle suspects in private. That’s not ministry—it’s moral theatre. If you truly believe in justice, step back. Let the courts do their job. Save your prayers for the nation, not the accused. Malawi deserves better. So does your flock.
