AMECEA: The Church has Everything for Every One: Archbishop Tambala to Christians
By: Rev Fr. Francis Damaseke
During the Celebration of the Golden Jubilee of Small Christian Communities (SCCs) at St. Peter Claver-Nsipe Parish in Dedza Diocese, Malawi, Archbishop George Tambala urged both the laity and clergy not to rest when it comes to serving God and humanity.
Drawing his inspiration from the gospel of John 6:34-44, where Jesus fed a crowd, the Archbishop emphasized that even when seeking rest, compassion led Jesus to serve others. “We must work hard, even giving up personal leisure,” said the Metropolitan Archbishop of Lilongwe.
Archbishop Tambala highlighted the importance of Christian communities of showing God’s mercy to people saying it is the reason why the Church provides social services like schools, hospitals, development projects, and promotes justice.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Church in the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region and the SCCs in the 50 years and urged that the challenges should not hinder serving the needs of all, especially the less privileged.
“Can one person catch fish alone and not share with others?” he wondered.
Archbishop Tambala challenged thousands of congregants who attended the event to unite and avoid selfishness, emphasized that in the Church, it is not “my God” but “Our God.” The sense of unity makes us one Church.
Addressing the youth directly, the Archbishop encouraged them to attend Church gatherings. He further expressed concern over the way the Church involves youth in Small Christian gatherings.
Archbishop Tambala also reminded all Catholics in the AMECEA Region that the Church provides everything for everyone. He therefore, advised against seeking favors from other places, urging everyone to tap into the blessings within the Catholic Church.
The celebratory mass was attended by delegates from various AMECEA countries including Malawi, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Uganda. This shows the unity of the Church’s mission across these countries.
