Meeting between the President of Malawi and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland
Meeting between His Excellency Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi and Lord Wallace of Tankerness, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, on 4 November 2021, 13.30 – 14:30 at 2 Rothesay Terrace, Edinburgh.
The Moderator opened the meeting with a prayer which was followed by introductions. Rev Dr Billy Gama then spoke of the history of the relationship between the Church of Scotland and Malawi, stating that in 1875 the Free Church of Scotland planted a mission in livingstonia and in 1876 the Church of Scotland planted a mission in Blantyre to reach the southern part of the country. A few years later the Dutch started a mission in Nkhoma synod. Dr Gama, stated that without the Church of Scotland Malawi would not have become a British Protectorate and the south may have become part of Mozambique. Dr Gama went on to explain that during his time in Scotland he had been able to meet with the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh to discuss the possibility of developing links with the University of Blantyre Synod. He had also had the opportunity to meet with a private solar company who could not only support the Church with it’s green agenda but also communities within Malawi and the church would be looking for support from the Government.
The Moderator acknowledged the legacy of David Livingstone and how the Church of Scotland had followed in his footsteps to plant the mission in Blantyre. He spoke fondly of the strong ties between Malawi and Scotland and how he was looking forward to visiting Malawi in January. He spoke of the work that the Church of Scotland was supporting through the CCAP synods, in particular the access to justice work in the north and the support of vulnerable girls. He acknowledged the important work of the First Lady in supporting the girl child. He acknowledge the effects of climate change and how it was those who contributed the least to climate change were impacted the most.
His excellency they responded by congratulating the Moderator on his position. He shared that he had visited the David Livingstone centre in Blantyre and that along with his visit to the Church of Scotland was the icing on the cake. He spoke fondly of the relationship with Scotland and stated that is was these relationships at all levels that builds our societies. He shared that Malawi was the most beautiful country, but people faced difficulties, however it is by faith that things will get better. He went on to say that the history of the nation in its political leadership cannot be separated from the Church. Young people are excited about the mutuality of these relationships and how youth in developing nations would not go down the same route as developed nations particularly in relation to climate change. He recognised the need for renewable energies emphasising both solar and wind energy and encouraged the already established relationships to not only continue but also to expand. He encouraged the Church to continue its involvement in relation to climate change, stressing that this is God's world, and we need to take care of it for future generations. He recognised that those who have contributed the most need to step-up but also acknowledged that this did not exonerate those who have not contributed not to make it worse. He spoke of how the first ladies background of growing up in the village motivated her to do the work she does with getting girls in school and he noted that if more girls are in school it will contribute to reducing the high population levels. He concluded by thanking the Church of Scotland for walking with Malawi.
Gifts were exchanged and photos taken. The meeting was then closed in prayer.
