When money rules

Bird’s View Eye – Column – Every

The tragic death of former Vice President Saulos Chilima in the Malawi Defence Force aircraft crash in Chikangawa Forest, Mzimba, on June 10, 2024, has brought to light unexpected behaviours from some religious leaders.

While Chilima’s demise is undoubtedly a significant loss, the response from the men of the collar has raised eyebrows.
Their actions have sparked a debate on whether the church is adhering to its foundational principles or veering towards opportunism influenced by money and status.

Religious institutions are meant to be bastions of inclusivity, where every individual, irrespective of their social standing, is treated equally in life and death. The recent events following the tragic accident, however, suggest a deviation from this ideal.

The other victims of the crash are mentioned only in passing, while the focus remains almost entirely on Chilima.
This disproportionate attention hints at an uncomfortable truth: the church’s clerics appear to compete to demonstrate their affection for the high-profile deceased, overshadowing the collective grief for all lives lost.

The clergy’s overwhelming presence and the numerous requiem masses conducted for Chilima could be perceived as genuine acts of mourning. Still, they also raise questions about the motivations behind such actions.

The sermons delivered have been particularly notable, coming from those expected to preach unity and solace. Instead, the clergy’s behaviour has given an impression of partiality, emphasising the status of one individual over the collective tragedy.

In times of such national sorrow, the church, especially those concerned, is uniquely positioned to offer solace and promote peaceful grieving. Their influence can help heal wounds and foster unity among the bereaved community.

However, the current scenario suggests that the church’s actions may be inadvertently, or perhaps intentionally, fueling divisions. The excessive focus on Chilima has provided a platform for unscrupulous politicians to exploit the situation, using his name and legacy to further their agendas.

The clergy’s apparent preference for Chilima, a prominent political figure, over the other victims, reflects poorly on the church’s commitment to its spiritual mission. It undermines the essence of religious teachings, which advocate for equality, compassion, and humility.

The perception that the church follows money and status rather than its foundational principles could lead to a loss of faith among its followers. The clergy’s actions, perceived as driven by a desire for favour or recognition, risk tarnishing the church’s image and eroding the trust of the congregation.

The aftermath of Saulos Chilima’s tragic death has exposed a critical issue within the church and among the clerics. The clergy’s behaviour, marked by an overt focus on one individual, suggests a deviation from the church’s core values.
Religious institutions must introspect and realign with their mission of inclusivity and equality. The church should strive to honour all lives lost, providing solace and unity to the grieving community, rather than inadvertently promoting division and opportunism.
The true measure of the church’s integrity lies in its ability to treat every soul with equal reverence, regardless of their status in life.