CATHOLIC CHURCH IN MALAWI DEFAULTS IT’S FUNERAL TRADITIONS

Bishop of Mangochi Diocese conducting MassPrayers during the funeral ceremony

It was on 29 September, 2021 when Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament in Malawi shot himself dead as per letter seen by our journalist in Lilongwe.

The dead man, Dr Clement Chiwaya served as Deputy Speaker of Parliament during the Peter Mutharika Leadership.

Since then he was yet to get his benefits including a VX Motor vehicle but the Parliament was reluctant to release the said benefits.

The Chiwaya was a Catholic church member based in Mangochi, Malawi.

The church has shocked people after it conducted Mass Prayers for the man who committed suicide a thing which is contrary to the traditions and norms of the church.

In most cases when there is a suicidal death church denies the services.

Many people in Malawi have been left puzzled on whether the church now respects only those who are well known and the rich????

Our journalist tried to talk to the Episcopal Representative of Catholic church in Malawi but the phone couldn’t get through.

After the leadership of Catholics in Malawi saw our article replied by saying that it is in their doctrines to conduct prayers for the deceased regardless of the cause of the death.

Chiwaya has also served in various portfolios and offices in the Malawi Government including being the Minister of Home Affairs during Bakili Muluzi leadership in 2002. He died at the age of 50 and left two daughters and one son.

(Reported by Zondani Mikeyasi-Mangochi, Malawi)

@apnewsafrica