Malawian Churches Support Lockdown In Unity

In a significant show of Unity of Purpose, major churches in Malawi have come out in massive support of the lockdown declared by the Government aimed at combating the spread of the devastating coronavirus.

The churches have immediately suspended all church gatherings, advising their members to comply with the lockdown.

On Thursday, the Catholic Church in Malawi, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Nkhoma Synod of the CCAP and Malawi Assemblies of God released letters announcing suspension of church gathering in adherence of the lockdown.

In a letter to all clergy and Christians, the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) announces suspension of church services throughout the period of lockdown.

“All public Church gatherings and communal liturgical celebrations are temporarily suspended for the entire period of the lockdown – from midnight of Saturday, 18th April 2020 to midnight of 9th May 2,” reads the letter signed by all the 8 bishops of the church in Malawi.

In a letter dated 16 April 2020 to all Ministers, Elders and Congregations, Nkhoma Synod has also announced the closure of all its churches.

“All churches should be closed and people should pray at home. Please let us comply,” reads the letter signed by the Synod Moderator and Synod Senior Clerk.

In its letter, the Seventh Day Adventist Church announces that “All church gatherings will be suspended. Everyone will be worshipping at home.”

And Malawi Assemblies of God advises all its pastors and members to “Please comply with the Government’s position and observe the lockdown. The Security forces will be deployed to enforce compliance. If Government reconsiders its position, they will advise us accordingly.”

As of today, the world has registered over 2.1 million confirmed cases of coronavirus and over 144,000 deaths.

On Thursday the figure of confirmed cases stood at 2 million and the number of deaths was at 137,000.

According to Special Cabinet Committee of Coronavirus, Malawi has so far registered 16 cases and 2 deaths.

Around the world, lockdowns have become effective in preventing the spread of the deadly coronavirus which has no cure yet.