Bishop Fanuel Magangani to take the helm of the African nation’s ecumenical body

The Bishop of Northern Malawi has been elected chairman of the Malawi Council of Churches. Meeting from 21-23 Feb 2017 at the Simama Hotel in Lilongwe, the 25-member ecumenical group gathered under the theme Strides and Possibilities: Renewing the Council’s Discourse. On its final day, it elected the Rt. Rev. Fanuel Magangani as its chairman, and confirmed the appointment of its acting secretary general, Dr. Gilford Matonga. In his acceptance speech, Bishop Magangani noted the political and economic landscape of the country had changed since the last meeting. This called for a new approach, and united approach, to the challenges facing churches. “With God who brings us together, the Council envisions itself as One Body in Jesus Christ moving to meet the needs of the Christian Church and the people that we serve. Pray for us as we take over this great challenge to move forward,” he said according to the Nyasa Times. Dr. Matonga echoed Bishop Magangani’s words, saying the council of churches seeks to “serve the people of Malawi in the steps of our Lord Jesus Christ, by representing their voices and ensuring that they enjoy their God given rights as citizens of God’s kingdom.”