Christian Mother Bodies in Malawi Express Concern Over Same-Sex Union Case

Lilongwe, Malawi— Christian mother bodies in Malawi, comprising the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Malawi Council of Churches (MCC), Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), and other interested groups, have expressed deep concern over an upcoming court case regarding same-sex unions in the country, writes Winston Mwale.

The Christian bodies say the case, scheduled to be heard in the Constitutional Court on May 23, 2023, seeks to legalize same-sex unions.

In a joint statement, issued by the Secretary Generals of ECM, MCC, and EAM on May 15, 2023, the faith groups made their position clear, stating that same-sex unions are considered ungodly, unnatural, culturally unacceptable, and a direct perversion of God's ordained order of the family.

The mother bodies highlighted their concern that if homosexuality is decriminalized, advocates for same-sex unions, many of whom are well-funded by foreign backers, will freely infiltrate schools, including mission schools, and communities, targeting children and youth.

They fear that these advocates will spread uncontrolled messages promoting homosexuality, leading to a serious moral breakdown and undermining the country's deeply held family values.

Additionally, the clergy within various faith institutions may be compelled to conduct same-sex weddings against their spiritual convictions, with potential legal consequences.

"We have to join together and protect and defend the well-being of our children's future," the statement read.

The mother bodies called for unity and resistance against the legalization of same-sex unions, urging the judiciary to respect the will of the majority of citizens. They recommended several interventions leading up to the court case on May 23, 2023.

Firstly, they appealed for religious groups to engage in fervent prayer for divine intervention, asking for the judges in the High Court, most of whom are believed to be God-fearing, not to succumb to pressure and open the doors for same-sex unions in the country.

They emphasized the spiritual dimensions and implications of the case, stating that Satan has a vested interest in the outcome.

To facilitate prayer, the mother bodies called for special prayer sessions in worship places and homes for the next 21 days, focusing not only on the same-sex union case but also on other national issues such as corruption, forex problems, and food shortages.

Furthermore, the mother bodies announced plans for interdenominational rallies on May 20, 2023, where participants will reaffirm the belief that marriage is between a man and a woman as ordained by God.

These rallies will also include prayers led by religious leaders.

During worship services from May 19 to May 21, 2023, religious leaders will deliver pro-family messages from the pulpit and read out the position of the religious mother bodies on same-sex unions in the country.

The mother bodies called upon media outlets, particularly those affiliated with religious organizations, to organize programs and disseminate information about the implications of the case on society, both in the present and future.

On the day of the court case, May 23, 2023, peaceful sit-ins outside the courts were encouraged, where supporters would silently pray for divine intervention and show solidarity in support of traditional family values.

In conclusion, the mother bodies firmly believe that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman, and any deviation from this divine order is unacceptable and contrary to God's will.

They called for unity in defending the nation from self-destruction and prayed for the healing and peace of Malawi.

The Constitutional Court is set to hear the case on same-sex unions, and its ruling will have significant implications for the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Malawi.