By Steven Chirombo, Malawi News Agency , Lilongwe – The Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Khumbo Kachali has called on the church not to hastate to correct Government whenever necessary to ensure that it remains on course.
He made the remarks on Sunday at Limbe Country Club ground during the consecration of Reverend Canon Alinafe Kalemba as second Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Malawi succeeding Bishop Dr. James Tengatenga.
“As Government, we will now start looking at you as it was with the outgoing Bishop Tengatenga and it is our plea that you work without fear by doing your work as demanded by God,” said Kachali.
He said government sorely relies on the church for advice and wisdom hence the need for the men of God to counsel it whenever it goes astray.
“Whenever you have noted something wrong with government’s operations, come forward and advise us amicably instead of scandalizing us in public before approaching us because you are there to serve not only the Church, but everyone else,” said Kachali who was also honoured to take a second reading from 1 Peter 5: 1-11.
On his part, the most Rev. Albert Chama, Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa and Bishop of Northern Zambia who presided over the ceremony, urged the Bishop elect to solemnly love God and take care of the ship that is before him.
“For your work to be smart and admirable, you have to love God and take care of the congregation and be committed to the church work,” advised Chama.
He advised Rev Kalemba to continue his work from where his predecessor Tengatenga left in order to continuously enhance the relationship between the church and government.
On his part the consecration chairperson, Tawanda Madovi pledged the church’s full support to the Bishop elect just as they did to Bishop Tengatenga during his tenure of office.
Bishop Alinafe Kalemba born on 7th May, 1967 at Kachulu in Zomba, was baptized in 1973 in Salima and confirmed in 1981 at St John’s Anglican Church, Nkhomo in Nkhotakota.
Bishop Kalemba holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Theological Research and Studies obtained in 2000 from the Durham University in the United Kingdom.
He is expected to be full Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Southern Malawi from 22nd December, 2013 when he will be handed over the mantle by Bishop Tengatenga who will take up mentorship roles as other leaders such as Arch Bishop Emeritus Bernard Malango in advising the church.
