The Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops says it is not impressed with the level of support by the clergy and the religious towards children in growth their christian faith and spirituality.

MCCB president Bishop Martin Mtumbuka speaking at the National Children’s Congress in Lilongwe expressed concern with the kind of supports the clergy and religious in some catholic parishes are providing towards faith formation of children which is lacking.

“We have noted as MCCB that the clergy and the religious we are not doing well. Sometimes the teaching of our catechism to the children is lacking in many aspects and the priests are not putting interest to teach the children about the church which is dangerous,”

He warned the children are being exposed to information and beliefs through the social media and education facilities which puts their faith (especially Catholicism) on test.

“If we don’t improve on the attention needed to the children’s faith, in 20 years our churches will be empty the way it is now in western countries,” warned the bishop.

He said the bishops in the country consented to the concept of a National Children’s Congress which has drawn together over 2, 000 children from all the 8 dioceses, knowing that it is a platform for enlightening the children about their faith and good morals in forming a society with high integrity and values.

Besides topics on catholic teachings, chairperson of the congress organizing committee Tina Kandodo said other topics will feature on social challenges like mental health, human trafficking, environmental conservation and child labor.

One of the delegates Nancy Mathraauza from the archdiocese of Lilongwe said she has high expectations for insights at the congress to grow her faith and morals

The congress running for five days from July 30 is graced by some of the catholic bishops in the country and foreign dignitaries from Zimbabwe, USA and Vatican, among them Sr Ines Paulo, secretary general of Pontifical Society for Childhood missionary.

Fr. Peter Madeya, National Director for Pontifical Mission Society which coordinated conducting of the national congress also emphasized on the need for parishes to provide children platforms for showcasing their leadership skills as part of naturing and deepening their faith.