The Union of Christian Churches of Madagasikara (FFKM) in Mahajanga province delivered two messages during an ecumenical service held Sunday afternoon at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Jesus Christ in Mahajanga Be. The homily, delivered by FJKM synodal president Reverend Josoa Gabriel Randriamampianina of Boina vaovao SP 17, was inspired by the Epistle to the Romans, chapter 13/1-7. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment (verses 1 and 2)."
"This epistle encourages the Church to maintain good relations with political leaders and submit to them, for authority comes from God. The people must obey their leaders and face sanctions for disobedience, such as non-payment of taxes and disrespect toward leaders. God has entrusted power to leaders, who must use it to advance the people's development and bring peace, tranquility, goodness, and life. Those who oppose authority oppose God. Since authority comes from God, leaders who receive this authority must also demonstrate fear of God. However, those in power must also respect God and punish those who commit evil and corruption. Lack of respect for God and refusal to do good for the people lead to national ruin. Let us do God's will and the country can advance in unity," explained the synodal president.
During his intervention, Mahajanga Prefect Nicolas Rabenandrasana emphasized the importance of working with integrity and fear of God. "We must be attentive and accept having been chosen by God, in conscience, to work with integrity and fear of God. In this 66th year, we remain at the heart of the country's development project. We are still at the project stage. Let us move forward in the right direction for the country's development," urged the prefect.
"The Church participates to unite its children who turn toward God. The duty of unity within government is to pray. Look at the situation of the Malagasy people. We must join in prayer to overcome corruption and develop the country. Our duty is to pray, unite, and reconcile. It joins Jesus's prayer: that all may be one. We thus have a duty," declared the FFKM representative in his address.