Catholic Church bishops under the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) will hold a special meeting starting from this Monday in Lilongwe expected to, among several issues, discuss the country’s current social, political and economic situation.

In an interview on Sunday, ECM secretary general Father George Buleya confirmed the meeting, but declined to give a full agenda as it was yet to be approved by the eight ECM bishops.

“The agenda is tentative as of now. However, as expected during such meetings, the bishops always discuss holistic issues to do with a whole person’s body and soul. We cannot only discuss the soul without touching on issues that affect the human body,” said Buleya.

He said the bishops will, among others, discuss the visit of the Vatican Ambassador who is currently in Malawi and the visiting American delegation the church is hosting.

Buleya also said on the agenda of the meeting, which will run up to Friday, are issues to do with its institutions under the Christian Hospitals Association of Malawi (Cham).

ECM comprises the Archdioceses of Blantyre and Lilongwe and dioceses of Chikhwawa, Dedza, Karonga, Mangochi, Mzuzu and Zomba and is currently being chaired by Bishop Joseph Zuza of Mzuzu Diocese.

Established in 1961, ECM’s mission is to provide holistic evangelisation through teaching and promoting unity, development, justice, peace and solidarity.

The bishops have before and after the coming in of multiparty politics been at the centre of checking government excesses through pastoral letters.