CCAP Blantyre Synod 150th anniversary celebrations

The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre Synod held a three-day event to mark the 150th anniversary of the Blantyre Mission. The celebration, which honored the mission’s historical impact on Malawi’s religious, educational, and healthcare sectors, included historical tours, a march through the Blantyre central business district, and a thanksgiving service.

However, the anniversary celebrations were marked by violence. Reports indicate that three journalists were assaulted by individuals suspected to be supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) at the venue entrance. Additionally, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials were reportedly targeted and vehicles were damaged during the unrest.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (Misa) Malawi Chapter and the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) have called for investigations, with Misa chairperson Felix Washon raising concerns that police officers witnessed the assaults without intervening. CCAP Blantyre Synod Moderator Right Reverend Missie Kananji Spiki urged politicians to keep partisan conflicts out of places of worship. While the DPP has distanced itself from the incident, the Malawi Police Service confirmed that a formal complaint has been received and investigations are underway.