Delivered on Sunday, 9 March 2025 by the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops
By Burnett Munthali
On Sunday, 9 March 2025, the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) delivered a profound and timely pastoral letter titled, “Who Will Roll Away the Stone For Us?” The message, read in Catholic churches throughout Malawi, carries deep spiritual and moral significance, addressing various aspects of the country’s political, social, and spiritual landscape. In this analysis, we will explore the core themes, context, and implications of the pastoral letter and its call to action for the people of Malawi.
Introduction to the Pastoral Letter
The title of the pastoral letter, “Who Will Roll Away the Stone For Us?” is a powerful rhetorical question that draws from the biblical narrative of the women coming to the tomb of Jesus, unsure of who would roll away the stone guarding His body. In the Gospel of Mark (16:3), this question emerges in a moment of uncertainty, symbolizing the obstacles that can seem insurmountable in life. For the Catholic bishops, this question serves as a metaphor for the current state of affairs in Malawi and a call to address the societal, political, and moral barriers that stand in the way of progress.
The bishops are not only referring to the literal obstacles that the people face but also to the larger societal issues such as corruption, political instability, poverty, and lack of justice. In essence, the pastoral letter challenges the faithful and the country at large to confront these “stones” with hope, faith, and action, just as the women at the tomb were confronted with an obstacle they had no power to remove on their own.
Political context and call for leadership
One of the central themes in the pastoral letter is the upcoming September 16, 2025, General Elections. With the elections looming on the horizon, the bishops remind the faithful of the importance of participating in the democratic process. The letter serves as both a moral reflection and a call to action, urging the electorate to make informed decisions based on values that uphold justice, integrity, and the common good. The bishops stress that the outcome of the elections is crucial for the future of the nation, and therefore, it is essential that the people choose leaders who will serve with humility, honesty, and a commitment to the well-being of the nation.
The bishops recognize the political climate in Malawi, which has been marked by corruption, power struggles, and rising inequality. They call for leaders who will not only address these issues but who will also inspire hope and trust in the country’s future. The pastoral letter is, therefore, a reminder that the political process is not merely a matter of choosing individuals for positions of power, but about selecting leaders who are willing to transform the nation and roll away the stones that hinder progress.
In their call for leadership, the bishops also emphasize the importance of moral values in politics. They stress that elections should not be about personal gain or power struggles but should be about choosing leaders who will work toward the collective good of the people. The bishops call on politicians to refrain from using divisive rhetoric and to promote unity, peace, and reconciliation as they prepare for the elections.
Addressing social issues: Poverty, inequality, and corruption
Beyond the elections, the pastoral letter also tackles critical social issues that continue to plague Malawi. The bishops express deep concern about the growing poverty, corruption, and inequality in the country. Despite some positive economic indicators, a significant portion of the population continues to live in poverty, struggling to access basic services like education, healthcare, and clean water. This disparity has left many feeling disenfranchised and excluded from the fruits of the nation’s development.
The bishops point out that corruption remains a major impediment to progress, with public resources often misused or diverted for personal gain. They call for a renewal of ethical standards in both the public and private sectors, urging Malawians to reject corruption at all levels of society. In a society where integrity has often been undermined, the bishops call on the faithful to be agents of change, advocating for justice, transparency, and accountability in all spheres of life.
Furthermore, the bishops express concern about the widening inequality in Malawi, where a small elite benefits from the country’s resources while the majority of the population struggles to survive. The letter challenges the government and the private sector to ensure that the wealth generated by the country’s resources is distributed more equitably. The bishops argue that economic justice is essential for the peace and stability of the nation, and they call for policies that promote the welfare of the poor and marginalized.
Spiritual reflection: Faith, hope, and transformation
At its core, the pastoral letter is a spiritual reflection aimed at fostering a sense of hope and renewal in the face of the nation’s challenges. The question, “Who will roll away the stone for us?” is not only a call to address political and social issues but also a call to spiritual transformation. The bishops remind the faithful that while they may feel helpless in the face of overwhelming obstacles, they are never alone. God is with them, and faith in God can empower them to overcome even the most difficult challenges.
The letter highlights the importance of prayer, reflection, and self-examination in the spiritual life. In a nation facing profound difficulties, the bishops remind the faithful that their hope should not be placed in earthly powers alone but in the strength and guidance that comes from God. The bishops call for a renewal of commitment to Christian values, urging Malawians to live according to the principles of love, justice, and peace, especially in the face of adversity.
The pastoral letter also encourages personal transformation. Just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb of Jesus, so too can the obstacles in the lives of individuals and society be removed through faith and action. The bishops challenge the faithful to look beyond their current struggles and trust that God can bring about a new beginning, both individually and collectively.
The role of the Church as a moral guide
The pastoral letter underscores the essential role of the Church in guiding the moral conscience of the nation. The bishops remind the faithful that the Church has always been a beacon of hope and truth in times of darkness. They call on Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith and to uphold the values of justice, peace, and integrity as they navigate the challenges of modern life.
In addition, the bishops highlight the importance of collective action. While individuals must take responsibility for their own actions, the Church also calls for a communal effort to address the broader issues facing the nation. The bishops encourage Catholics to work together, regardless of political affiliation, to promote the common good and to ensure that the nation moves forward with a sense of unity and purpose.
A call to prayer and vigilance
The pastoral letter concludes with a call to prayer, asking the faithful to pray for the country, its leaders, and the upcoming elections. The bishops invite the people of Malawi to pray for wisdom and discernment in the electoral process, that the right leaders may be chosen and that the country may experience peace and stability in the lead-up to and after the elections.
The bishops also call for vigilance in ensuring that the election process is free, fair, and transparent. They urge the people to guard against manipulation, violence, and any attempts to undermine the integrity of the democratic process.
Conclusion: A roadmap for renewal and transformation
In conclusion, the pastoral letter, “Who Will Roll Away the Stone For Us?” is a powerful call for renewal, transformation, and hope. It is a message that resonates deeply with the people of Malawi, urging them to confront the obstacles that stand in the way of their collective well-being. Whether addressing political corruption, economic inequality, or spiritual apathy, the bishops provide a roadmap for overcoming these challenges through faith, unity, and responsible action.
The letter serves as a timely reminder that the transformation of Malawi will not come from earthly powers alone, but through a deep commitment to justice, integrity, and the Christian values of love and peace. By taking responsibility for their actions, making informed choices in the elections, and relying on faith, Malawians can begin to roll away the stones that hinder their progress and move toward a brighter, more just future.
