A response to the search for spiritual fulfillment
Firstly I would like to thank the Together crew for its eagerness to find out from Malawian youths whether or not the Church and Gulewamkulu can benefit from each other. I am anxious to give my views.
I feel that it is difficult for Christians to associate with Gulewankulu due to the differences in belief, which are between Christianity and the Gulewamkulu society. For example, the Gulewamkulu initiates perform in beast forms and imitate beasts. These masked men also harm people, such as Christian, who have not been initiated into their secret society. How can Christian associate with people in whose hands they are harmed?
In the article, The Search for Spiritual Fulfillment, Mr. Kalumba draws an analogue of Jesus and Zacchaeus, where Jesus Christ forgave the sinful Zacchaeus and suggest that Christians could do them same with Gulewamkulu initiates. However, I disagree with Mr. Kalumba. If Gulewamkulu were humans as was Zacchaeus, this was possible, but Gulewamkulu tells us that those in masks are not humans.
I suggest that the Gulewamkulu should begin to be human if dialogue and coexistence between with Christians is possible.
What about obscenities and other bad acts? I hear Gulewamkulu encourages superstition and magic. I think things if like these cannot change, and putting in mind what Christians believe regarding magic, I feel it’s hard for Christian to benefit from Gulewamkulu.
I hope one day Gulewamkulu will agree on a few generally acceptable behaviours and leave out a few unacceptable behaviours. Then Christians will benefit from Gulewamkulu and hopefully, they will accept as one of their valuable cultural heritage. Otherwise, there will be no peaceful coexistence between the church and Gulewamkulu.

Austin Liabunya Phonela,
Ntcheu.



The Church and Gulewamkuklu are not compatible
I would like to express my views on the question of coexistence between the Church and Gulewamkulu as expressed in your magazine n. 43 (July-September).
I strongly feel that the Church and Gulewamkulu are not compartible to each other. Gulewamkulu is a sinful and fraudulent dance. The dancers, in their disguise, steal from people and rape women. At present, the government is trying to suppress this dance because it is one way of spreading the pandemic disease so called “AIDS”. These crime perpetrators go scot-free because they are mandated and taken as deserving spirits. The ideals of the dance are contrary to the righteousness the Church preaches among people.
Gulewamkulu commits murder, rape, theft, witchcraft and obscenity in the guise of culture. What culture terrorizes people? The Church upholds commandments such as “Thou shall not kill.” The commandments guide Christians against committing sin. If Gulewamkulu is condoned by the Church, people will have misgivings about the Church.

Raymond Edward Msowoya,
St. Patrick’s Seminary,
Rumphi


2007 was a shame – Make 2008 Better
I thank God for keeping all of us alive until now. We are not cleverer than those who passed away. It is just God’s will. May souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.
As 2007 sets, let us analyse this year to start 2008 in a grand style. Like I said in the previous issue (photo album), politics is in my blood. Hence my analysis will be none other politics - don’t call it dirty goldmine!
In this year, we have experienced unmatched political tension. Although some of these political bickering have been silly in nature, others have happened on good reasons. No side, be it government or opposition, is free from blame, because both were trying to gain political influence at the expense of the welfare of the poor people. Unfortunately the battle has just delayed development.
The opposition was forcing Section 65 to be dealt concurrently with the pro-poor national budget. This affected the development projects, which failed to start within optimal time. On the other hand, government failed to bring their opponents a friendly and meaningful discussion. Government just kept castigating the opposition. This was not helpful for it just added oil to the burning coal. I think both sides could not understand the meaning of ‘democracy’.
Furthermore, our Parliament stank with foul language from our honourable Members of Parliament. Both the Opposition and Government legislators are guilty of this sin. I cannot repeat the words because our local stations were filled with reruns of such shameful words.
This was very bad for the development of our moral conduct. How do children of these honourables feel when they hear such words coming from their mothers or father? Though there may be need to please our bosses, we should not do that by using unpalatable words against our opponents. Malawians, let us learn to understand each other, regardless of our political differences.
In a democratic country, government cannot run without the opposition. The opposition is like the watchdog for the common people. However, the opposition should not take this as an opportunity to frustrate government’s development agenda.
Human beings learn through mistakes. For this reason, I hope 2008 is going to be a prosperous year in the political experiences.
I wish all politicians wise thoughts in 2008. I also wish a Merry Christmas and a happy new year to the following: Margaret Makawa (I handle you with care) and Bibu Mdala (I walk in your footsteps).

Dyson wa Mthawanji
Mponela,
Dowa


Discover your vocation
I have always admired Together Magazine for its mature presentation of issues regarding the youth. Now, I would like to share with my fellow youngsters of what vocation is.
First and foremost, vocation is a calling from God. God calls all people to serve him in different ways. Some people think that vocation is a call to join a special religious group, and therefore to become priests, sisters or brothers. However, it must be clear that marriage is also a vocation, where the Lord asks people to serve their country and the church with care for each other and their children.
The most basic vocation is that each one of us has been given life in order to serve. This service could be made whether one is married, ordained or consecrated in a religious life. Moreover, all vocations are equal before God, because they demand us to participate in God’s mission and service for others.
For one to realize one’s vocation, there are special signs, such as an inner call, service, freedom, fitness, motivation, self-knowledge, discernment and affirmation of others. Accordingly, anyone who is about to detect and follow his vocation she/he needs to be self disciplined, self conscious and self esteem in order to fulfill his/her vocational journey, through God’s will and guidance.
I appeal to all of us who have not yet discovered in our heart a seed of vocation to be perfect, prudent and prayerful in every moment; then God will bless and guide us to know our true vocation. Best New Year Wishes to all.

Centurio G. Daka
ICS – Balaka.