By Burnett Munthali
In a sermon that resonated deeply across both the pulpit and political landscape, Bishop Joseph Addoh Ansah, husband to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) running mate Justice Dr. Jane Ansah, reminded believers in the United Kingdom that true promotion comes only from God.
Speaking at Christ Citadel International Church, a vibrant congregation in the UK that has become a spiritual home for Malawians in the diaspora, Bishop Ansah preached a message rooted in humility, reverence, and faith.
He declared that genuine upliftment does not flow from political influence, human connections, or material wealth. Instead, he emphasized, “The Lord elevates those who fear Him and live in reverence.”
The message carried a dual weight: spiritual encouragement for believers and subtle political undertones for Malawians as the nation inches closer to the September 16 elections.
Bishop Ansah is no stranger to leadership. Beyond his pastoral duties, his position as the husband of Justice Dr. Jane Ansah places him at the intersection of faith and politics. His role as a spiritual leader has been consistent, but his words now carry added significance as Malawians watch closely every statement connected to key political figures.
The Bishop’s sermon is notable for what it chose to highlight—and what it avoided. While not a campaign message in the traditional sense, his focus on humility, faithfulness, and divine elevation stood in contrast to the political battles that dominate headlines back home.
Many Malawians in the diaspora, gathered at Christ Citadel for worship, saw his words as a reminder that leadership—whether in church or in state—must be anchored in God’s wisdom.
Christ Citadel International Church, where Bishop Ansah delivered his sermon, has emerged as a powerful hub for African Christians in the UK. Known for its multicultural congregation and charismatic preaching, the church often draws in worshippers from across the continent who are seeking spiritual grounding far from home.
For Malawians, the church is more than a place of worship—it is a community. In times of political tension and economic hardship back home, the diaspora finds in Christ Citadel a voice of reassurance. Bishop Ansah’s presence at the pulpit was therefore both symbolic and strategic: a bridge between home and abroad, politics and faith, the present and the future.
With the September elections drawing closer, every statement from figures linked to the DPP carries political significance. Justice Dr. Jane Ansah, a respected legal mind, now stands as running mate to former President Arthur Peter Mutharika, positioning the DPP as a formidable force against the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Against this backdrop, Bishop Ansah’s message can be read as more than spiritual counsel. His emphasis on humility and God’s sovereignty quietly challenges the pride, arrogance, and corruption often associated with Malawi’s politics.
Observers note that while he never mentioned elections directly, his sermon was a timely reminder that leadership without reverence for God is fragile.
The Bishop’s call for humility is not only directed at politicians. In his sermon, he stressed that all believers—whether leaders or ordinary citizens—must learn to walk faithfully before God. “Success without God,” he warned, “is fleeting.”
This struck a chord with Malawians in attendance, many of whom expressed afterward that the sermon gave them renewed hope. At a time when uncertainty, economic pressure, and political rivalry cloud the horizon, his words served as a moral compass.
Conclusion
Bishop Joseph Addoh Ansah’s sermon at Christ Citadel International Church was more than a Sunday message—it was a defining moment of spiritual guidance intersecting with political relevance.
His declaration that “the Lord will elevate those who fear Him” challenges leaders to look beyond strategies and alliances, and citizens to anchor their trust in divine providence.
As Malawi approaches September 16, his words will likely linger, reminding the nation that while political power shifts, true promotion belongs to God.
