Bishop suspends church offerings over Malawi economic turmoil

Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of the Karonga Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church has stopped the laity from contributing to church projects  in “paper Sunday” to allow them utilise the little cash they have to buy food in their homes.

Bishop Martin Mtumbuka  made  the announcement on Saturday  February 27 during the launch of the diocese’s strategic plan for the coming five years held at St Mary’s Parish in the district.

He said the Catholic church has a great role to play on social economic development in tackling the issues pertaining to food security, education, health, justice and peace.

He said: “Poor Malawians are hit hard by hunger and that is why I thought it wise to suspend until March all fundraising events where people are expected to contribute more money than they do on a normal Sunday.

“Affected contributions include paper Sundays and mobilisation of funds for construction and rehabilitation of churches and other things of that nature. We hope people know what they need most and they will use the savings to overcome the prevailing food shortage.”

He added:”I think it would not be right for me just to target how people are being treated. I think the most important thing is to say that we are deeply saddened by the situation our people are going through,” he said.

He said the looming hunger that has severely hit almost all parts of the country, the diocese has decided to ask its members to stop giving tithe, paper Sunday offerings and other major collections members of the congregation give to the church while at home they have no food.

“We have suspended all major activities of contributions from our Christians until further notice but we are very saddened by the situation and we really hope that the solution will be found.

“ As a church we are very disappointed and concerned with the way people are suffering.”

Sharing is caring!