Govt Stand on Homosexuality ‘Unfortunate’-ECM

By: Andrew Cane Chilapondwa

Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has described the government’s stand on homosexuality as very ‘unfortunate’.

ECM made the statement through a Pastoral letter released on Sunday, 13th March 2016, highlighting the economic and social challenges being experienced by the country.

Among other issues, the letter has strongly condemned same-sex marriages citing that family is the central social institution that must be protected, supported and strengthened by all means and not  be undermined.

“In our 2013 Pastoral letter, we presented the Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality. Now that the issue has resurfaced, we intend to affirm on our position. We affirm that the homosexual condition is a disorder. A person with who indulges in homosexual acts, must always be judged as objectively evil and totally unacceptable,” reads part of the letter.

The Episcopal further backed those who have faulted the Malawi government for putting a moratorium on laws governing homosexual acts.

“The government has bowed down to pressure from the donor community, international bodies and local human rights’ campaigners.”

“As Pastors, we find this path very unfortunate. It is an act of betrayal on the part of those in power to sell our country to foreign practices and tendencies contrary to the will of God because of money.”

“We call upon all Catholics and people of good will, to stand up for what is morally right today in the face of the highly funded campaign for homosexual rights and unions,” said the letter.

However, the Pastoral letter condemned in strongest terms those inciting violence against homosexuals and those guilty of homosexual acts or unions.

“The Lord asks us not to judge and not to condemn. If anyone wishes to avoid God’s judgment, he should not make himself the judge of his brother or sister,” reads the letter.

Since the homosexual topic resurfaced, Malawians have openly told government that they are not willing to accept same sex marriages in the country.

Government’s decision to suspend laws on homosexuality means that those guilty of the act or unions cannot be prosecuted.

However, pressure continues from the donor community and international bodies to legalize same sex marriages in the country.  Meanwhile, it is reported that Queen Elizabeth II, because of her Christian devotion cannot support same sex marriages.