By Ernest Mfunya

Mangochi, June 21, Mana. President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Saturday said government and the Anglican Church are partners in development hence the need for the two sides to work together in solving challenges facing the country.

Chakwera said this in Mangochi where he attended the Anglican Diocese of Upper Shire (ADUS)’s ordination of three transitional deacons namely, Elias C. Banda, 45, Paul Kampeni, 24, and Roy Mkize, 42.

The President congratulated the three newly ordained deacons and he wished the church and its membership best regards.

He applauded the existing collaboration between the Anglican Church and government in the areas of education and health.

Earlier, Chakwera inspected classroom blocks which were destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Chido at Mpondasi Primary School and he expressed concern with the damage.

"We must come together when we face challenges. The school does not only help Anglican faithful alone; We should therefore ensure that we rebuild what has been damaged,” said Chakwera.

He expressed gratitude to the ADUS for extending invitation to the office of the President, adding that the invitation served as a blessing as the President wraps up his stay in Mangochi.

Bishop of the ADUS, William Mchombo, called on the deacons to serve humanity with humility, and not to serve themselves.

He asked the deacons to always speak the truth in their ministerial work, saying that they have been given a prophetic role to do God's work.

“You have been called to servant leadership and humble service. Bring yourselves to the poor, sick and others,” said Mchombo, expounding the theme of his gospel, ‘Called to a humble service’.

The Bishop further urged the deacons to serve the faithful regardless of the latter’s wealth, and appearance, among others, and to, also, avoid discriminating people in the church. 

He has since appealed to the already ordinated priests to help the newly ordinated Deacons to grow in the Ministry, support them and show them the path to build God's kingdom. 

The three took their call of Canonical Obedience, vowing to pay due and canonical obedience to the bishop of Upper Shire and his successors.

They also made declaration to assent to the Book of Common Prayer and of the ordering of Bishop’s priests and deacons.

Bishop William Mchombo presided over the service which also saw the State President read the second reading from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12 verse 1 to 13.

Meanwhile, Deacon Elias Banda has been deployed to serve Malindi, while Deacons Roy Mkize and Paul Kampento will serve Mkope and Mpondasi respectively.