By Burnett Munthali
The Reverend Gama of Mvama CCAP in Lilongwe has found himself at the center of controversy following a sermon in which he condemned the looting of government resources. A video clip of his message, widely circulated on social media, has sparked heated debate, with members of his congregation calling for clarification on his statements.
In the clip, Pastor Gama is heard declaring:
“Even those who are busy looting government resources today will soon be seen in handcuffs, traveling under heavy police escort on police armored cars, broadcast live on TV. You don’t get blessed with stolen public money and resources. Even their wives, who think they are blessed because of stolen government resources, will soon escort their husbands to court with sad-looking faces. What is not yours does not belong to you.”
This stern rebuke of corruption has been interpreted by some as a direct criticism of individuals connected to the current administration. A segment of the congregation has requested Pastor Gama to clarify the message, accusing him of targeting specific groups.
According to reports, a significant number of church members plan to accompany the pastor tomorrow during a scheduled meeting where he is expected to elaborate on his statements. These members want to hear firsthand what Pastor Gama meant and ensure he is not unfairly pressured for speaking out against societal ills.
On the other hand, critics, including those perceived to be aligned with the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), have accused the pastor of politicizing the pulpit. “These MCP government people are something else,” remarked one social media user, suggesting that the outrage stems from the pastor’s boldness in addressing corruption.
Despite the backlash, Pastor Gama has received widespread support from other quarters, with many praising him for his courage in condemning theft of public resources. One congregant commented, “He is only preaching the truth as the Bible demands. Corruption destroys lives and steals from the poor. Why should he be silenced for speaking against it?”
The incident has reignited conversations about the role of religious leaders in addressing corruption and governance issues. While some argue that pastors should stick to spiritual matters, others believe the church has a duty to hold leaders accountable and speak out against injustice.
As the congregation gathers tomorrow, many will be watching closely to see how Pastor Gama navigates this tense situation. Whatever the outcome, his sermon has sparked a necessary debate on morality, governance, and the church’s role in promoting accountability in Malawi.
