By Twink Jones Gadama
The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has officially changed its name to the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB), effective immediately. The change was announced in an official statement released by the Conference on January 31, 2025.
According to the statement, the decision to change the name was made to provide a clearer identity and to align with global Catholic terminology. The new name explicitly states that the Conference comprises Catholic Bishops, eliminating ambiguity.
The MCCB has also unveiled a new logo, which features a crozier and miter, symbols used by Catholic Bishops. The logo also includes a cross, a Christian symbol of salvation, and a map of Malawi, indicating that the logo is for the Catholic Church in Malawi.
The colors used in the logo are also significant, with each color representing a different aspect of the Catholic Church’s mission. The colors include green, representing life and care for the environment; red, representing the fire of faith, love, martyrdom, and sacrifices of the Catholic Church; white, representing holiness; blue, representing courage and perseverance; and yellow, representing hope.
The President of the MCCB, Most Reverend George Desmond Tambala, Archbishop of Lilongwe, expressed his appreciation for the continued support and cooperation of stakeholders, partners, and the general public.
“We deeply appreciate your continued support and cooperation,” Archbishop Tambala said. “May Mary, the Mother of Jesus and Our Lady of Africa, intercede for the Church in Malawi and our nation.”
The change of name and logo is expected to have a significant impact on the Catholic Church in Malawi, as it seeks to promote a clearer identity and to align with global Catholic terminology.
The MCCB is the official organization of Catholic Bishops in Malawi, and it plays a crucial role in promoting the Catholic faith and providing spiritual guidance to Catholics in the country.
The change of name and logo is also expected to have a positive impact on the Church’s mission to promote evangelization, education, healthcare, and social justice in Malawi.
As the MCCB begins a new chapter with its new name and logo, Catholics in Malawi and around the world are expected to rally behind the Conference and support its mission to promote the Catholic faith and serve the people of Malawi.
In an interview with this reporter, Archbishop Tambala expressed his excitement about the change of name and logo, and he called on Catholics in Malawi to support the MCCB’s mission.
“We are excited about this new chapter in the life of the Catholic Church in Malawi,” Archbishop Tambala said. “We call on all Catholics in Malawi to support our mission and to promote the Catholic faith in our country.”
The change of name and logo is a significant development in the life of the Catholic Church in Malawi, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the Church’s mission and identity.
