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The High Court in Lilongwe Wednesday granted some members of the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi an injunction restraining newly-enthroned Bishop Leonard Mwenda from conducting business, pending a meeting between the laity, the clergy and Archbishop Bernard Malango.
Justice Ivy Kamanga ordered that the two parties should meet within 21 days to sort out outstanding issues concerning the election of the Bishop of the Diocese of Lake Malawi.
Kamanga said Archbishop Malango should ensure that Mwenda does not proceed to carry out duties and functions of the office of the bishop of the diocese.
The injunction also restrains Bishop Mwenda from using the official residence, offices of the diocese and any other assets.
“If you disobey this order, you may be found guilty of contempt of court and may be sent to prison or fined or your assets may be seized,” reads Kamanga’s ruling in part.
Mwenda’s enthronement has been challenged by some Anglicans who maintain that the ceremony should have waited until critical issues surrounding the rejection of a British clergyman Rev. Paul Henderson on allegations that he is an active member of a gay organisation were resolved.
Chancellor of the Anglican Council of Malawi (ACM) James Kalaile said in an interview that he was aware of the injunction and had conveyed the complainants’ sentiments to Malango.
Kalaile, who is a Supreme Court judge, pleaded with the grieved Christians to avoid violence and resort to peaceful means of resolving their differences with the archbishop, saying the matter can be sorted out amicably.
According to Kalaile, Archbishop Malango earlier advised Mwenda to wait but the retired Zambian Bishop stood by the ruling of the Anglican Province of Central Africa bishops who endorsed his election as late Bishop Peter Nyanja’s replacement.
Mwenda’s enthronement in Nkhotakota on Palm Sunday was marred with violence where some protesters allegedly stoned the officiating clergy and shouted insults at the bishop.
Two people were arrested and charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
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