By Isaac Salima & Yohane Symon:

Nkhoma Synod General Secretary Vasco Kachipapa has disassociated the synod from prayers that 55 of its reverends attended at Page House—the retirement home of former State president and opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika—Tuesday.

Mutharika and his family resides in Mangochi District while Nkhoma Synod is under the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).

This is happening after some of the reverends under Blantyre Synod of the CCAP were summoned to a disciplinary hearing last week.

Ironically, they are accused of attending prayers at Mutharika’s Page House earlier this year.

Kachipapa told The Daily Times Tuesday that “they [clerics] did not seek official leave to attend the prayers”, adding that they did so out of their own volition.

During Tuesday’s prayers, Mutharika said it was important for the faith community to be involved in issues that are happening in the country.

He, therefore, said he welcomed the gesture extended to him by clerics from Nkhoma Synod of the CCAP.

He said he was surprised that there were some people who were not amused when some religious leaders visit him at his house, saying the church and politicians have always been working together.

“Religion and politics go together although they [religion and politics] serve people in two different areas. Let us all work together to support Malawians so that they have an improved lifestyle,” he said.

This is happening at a time Malawians are preparing for the September 16, 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.