MALAWI: Catholic Journalists Challenged to Be Agents of Truth
Members of Association of Catholic Journalist with Rt. Rev. Montfort Stima, Bishop Chairman of Communications at ECM, together with staff members from ECM Secretariat
The Catholic Journalists in the country have been urged to always strive in protecting the country by playing a prophetic role and executing responsible reporting.
In his opening speech for the Third Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Association of Catholic Journalists (ACJ) at James Chiona Catholic High in Blantyre last weekend, Bishop Chairman responsible for Social Communications at Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), His Lordship Montfort Stima who is also the Bishop for Mangochi emphasized that freedom of expression and of the press are important for the country.
“Always bear in mind that God entrusted you with a noble task; the duty of a journalist. As baptized people and proud Catholics, always strive to be professional in your work. The Church commends your work for tirelessly reporting on the social and spiritual works the Church does in Malawi,” he said.
To emphasize the power of the press, the Bishop quoted St John Paul II who said, “The Church is on your side, whether you are a Christians or not, you always find in the Church the just esteem and recognition of the freedom of press.”
“Your duty is to combat the word of hate and fake news. Instead, report on the plight of venerable refugees, orphans, the needy-be on the side of these people hence the values of the Catholic church, above all, be professional in your work” added Bishop Stima.
On his part, the newly elected National Executive Committee (NEC) President for ACJ George Kasakula hailed all Catholic journalists in the country for unity which has seen the Association grow and reach this far.
He then said the new leadership wants to make ACJ more vibrant by first of all fundraising and then go on a recruitment drive to increase its membership national wide.
“We want every Catholic journalist to be a member of the Association. We want the Catholic Social Teachings to apply to our work and make us good, God fearing journalists,” he said.
During the AGM, the association has elected new National Executive Committee where George Kasakula and Sam Kalimba were elected President and vice respectively; Pilirani Tambala as the Secretary General; Josephine Chinele as Publicity Secretary with Francis Polinyo Banda as Deputy; and Blazio Liyao the Treasure general.
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By: Luke Chimwaza
