Bishop of the Diocese of Zomba of the Roman Catholic Church in Malawi, Right Reverend Alfred Mateyo Chaima, has called upon Catholic members of Parliament (MPs) to take politics as a service to mankind.

Chaima made the call during an interface meeting with Catholic lawmakers in Lilongwe.

The interface was preceded by a Holy Mass, which took place at the Golden Peacock Hotel.

Speaking to journalists afterwards, Chaima said the purpose of the meeting was to encourage and guide the MPs in their roles and to pray with them.

The Bishop stated that the Church, alongside faith leaders, will continue to support the MPs in their efforts to improve the lives of Malawians and to create better policies for the country’s future.

“They raised concerns about their limited opportunities to interact with Christians in some areas. We explained that Holy Mass is primarily a time for prayer, not political engagement.

However, we will reassess how the Church can better support them in their outreach efforts,” said Chaima.

He reminded the Catholic MPs that every Christian should be guided by Catholic social teachings, which help shape their relationships with others and the environment.

“As Catholic Members of Parliament, there are principles they must always uphold, especially when contributing to or voting on legislation. These include the dignity of the human person, the option for the poor, and solidarity—principles that must be embraced at all times,” Chaima explained.

In her address, MP for Phalombe South, Mary Mpanga, thanked the bishops for organizing the vibrant Holy Mass and interface meeting.

Mpanga said such initiatives are crucial for gaining support from the Catholic Church.

“We need our churches to be more proactive in encouraging their members to elect more Catholic MPs, so they can continue to promote the social teachings of the Church,” Mpanga said.