Around the world faith groups are recognised as key factors in development outcomes; delivering health, education, humanitarian relief and other services.
Faith plays an important role in the cultural life of many people in Malawi, and in many communities shapes their response to the everyday challenges they face. Regardless of which faith groups Malawians belong to, they play an active role in civil society and have a significant impact on the communities they are a part of.
The genesis of Scotland-Malawi linking was through faith-based partnerships established soon after the first Scottish missionaries travelled to Malawi in the 19th century. The link between the Church of Scotland and the Church of the Central African Presbytery in Malawi remain as strong now, as it was over 100 years ago, and has been further supported by partnerships in other denominations and faiths.
The SMP regularly partners with the Church of Scotland and other groups, to host a networking and information-sharing event for those actively involved in faith-links between Scotland and Malawi.
Member case study:
Mid Argyll Churches & Kasamba Church
The connection between Lochgilphead and Malawi goes back to 1896 when Rev. Donald Fraser, who was born and raised in Lochgilphead, first visited the Warm Heart of Africa.
The Mid-Argyll Churches have a Malawi Twinning Group, consisting of representatives of the congregations, which has met regularly in recent months. Twinning between Scottish congregations and communities and congregations and communities abroad has been replacing the old form of partnership.
The Churches involved in the Twinning are Ardrishaig and South Knapdale, Lochgilphead, Cumlodden, Lochfyneside and Lochgair, Glassary, Kilmartin and Ford and North Knapdale.
Our twinning partner is Kasamba Congregation of the Synod of Livingstonia of the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian (CCAP), in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, which is situated in the Central Region.
Members involved with this area
Here's a selection of Scotland Malawi Partnership members who are actively working on projects in this focus area.