NEWS | Faith | National Development | By Watipaso Mzungu

First Lady Professor Gertrude Mutharika has urged Malawians to make peace a way of life, saying the country cannot achieve meaningful and sustainable development without harmony with God and one another.

Speaking at Lingadzi CCAP in Lilongwe during the annual Women’s Guild Conference, Mutharika said lasting positive change begins with people aligning themselves with God and cultivating peaceful relationships with others.

The conference was held under the theme, “Seek Peace and Pursue It.”

Mutharika said some of the challenges facing individuals and communities stem from a failure to actively seek and pursue peace, urging Malawians to make it a priority in their daily lives.

She said peace should be pursued not only among people but also in their relationship with God, arguing that a nation whose citizens live in harmony is better placed to achieve meaningful development.

The First Lady also appealed to Malawians to remain calm and promote peace, particularly during difficult and challenging circumstances.

She cautioned against words and actions that fuel hatred, division and conflict, saying citizens have a responsibility to build a peaceful society by forgiving one another, showing love and maintaining unity.

“Peace provides a strong foundation for national development,” she said.

In his remarks, Reverend Brian Kamwendo assured the First Lady and President Arthur Peter Mutharika that the church would continue praying for the presidency and the administration’s efforts to deliver on its vision.

Organising chairlady of the Lingadzi CCAP Women’s Guild, Yvonne M’mangitsa, said the guild was honoured by the First Lady’s presence at the conference.

M’mangitsa also commended Mutharika for her humility and participation in the gathering.

The conference brought together more than 2,000 women from various CCAP churches under the Mpando Presbytery. It began on Friday and concluded on Sunday.