Malawian bishops hope to avoid political polarization, says official

Published: 2008-05-22

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) -- A church official called the Malawian bishops' warning to priests not to take sides in party politics a pre-emptive move to avoid polarization in the local church before next year's elections. "Some priests do entangle themselves in issues of politics, which hinders their ability to minister to supporters of all political parties in their parishes," said Chris Chisoni, head of the National Assembly liaison project of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace. He spoke in a May 21 telephone interview with Catholic News Service from the Malawian capital, Lilongwe. In a pastoral letter read in Malawian churches May 11, the bishops said, "While the clergy may have their own personal preferences, they should ensure that such preferences are in line with what respects their faith and what will ensure the dignity of the human person, especially that of the poor and the marginalized."

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