By Daniel Siame

Lilongwe, September 1, Mana: Vice President Michael Usi on Sunday presided over a farewell ceremony for Bishop Francis Kaulanda, outgoing leader of the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi, an event held at Silver Stadium which brought together government officials, church leaders, and congregants to honor a leader who has made a lasting impact on the nation.

In his remarks, Vice President Usi praised Kaulanda's humility, selflessness, and dedication to the church and nation.

"Bishop Kaulanda has been a true leader, demonstrating that leadership is not about power or authority but about humility and service to others," Usi remarked.

He highlighted Kaulanda's efforts to unite the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi, citing his legacy of love, compassion, and unity as an inspiration to many.

Vice President Usi commended Kaulanda's transformative leadership, particularly his holistic approach to ministry. He noted the establishment of the Lake Malawi Anglican University (LAMAU) as a testament to Kaulanda's vision and commitment to education.

"His service was filled with endless possibilities, and his spiritual formation has been a driving force for national transformation," Usi said.

The Vice President recognized the significant role Kaulanda played in Malawi's development process, acknowledging the fruitful partnership between the Anglican Church and the government.

In appreciation for the Vice President's attendance, Kaulanda said it indicated that the church and government share a common goal of serving the people.

He said: “There is strong partnership between religious and state institutions in promoting the welfare of Malawians. It is important to collaborate and offer mutual support in driving the nation’s progress.”

As Bishop Kaulanda retires, Vice President Usi urged Malawians to follow his example of love and service.

"Let us embody the spirit of love and service that he exemplified. Together, we can address the multi-faceted challenges facing our society and work towards building an inclusively wealthy, self-reliant, and industrialized upper-middle-income economy as envisioned in MW2063," Usi stated.

The ceremony concluded with Vice President Usi expressing his deep gratitude to Bishop Kaulanda, wishing him a peaceful and blessed retirement.