Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Lilongwe Dioceses Profile

CCJP Historical Background

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of Lilongwe Diocese is the pioneer Diocesan CCJP in the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM). ECM has seven (7) Dioceses and each Diocese has Commissions for specific purposes; Home Based Care, to look after chronically ill people; CADECOM, to look into matters of economy and development and CCJP to look into issues of justice and peace. Each Diocese works independently of each other but with one goal of the realization of the goodness of God’s creation.

CCJP Lilongwe was formed in 1992 but was officially launched in 1998.

CCJP was established to contribute to the common effort of the Episcopal Conference and the whole Catholic Church in Malawi in the creation of a just and peaceful Malawian society that promotes integral development and lasting peace.

It has worked in partnership with several donor agencies to implement a social justice and peace project covering the Central Region of Malawi. Amongst the Donors are Catholic Relief Services (CRS) which provided technical support for eight years; Cordaid from Netherlands which looked into technical support, access to justice and capacity building; Management Systems International (USAID), which assisted in monitoring the General Elections; DFID/MASSAJ, whose focus is on the strengthening the capacity of the informal justice sector; Dan Church Aid (DCA), assisted in the process of Constitutional review and on the Parliamentary Liaison Project, whose objective is to provide legislative literacy and women empowerment; GTZ on making local government work.

Objectives

The overall aim of the CCJP is to awaken Malawians through the process of conscientisation to further understanding "our call as Christians with regard to social justice, leading to a greater awareness of human rights and consequent duties." CCPJ also aims at forming a critical conscience which empowers people to challenge and to act to overcome unjust situations.

CCJP Mission

Our Mission is to contribute towards the creation of a God-fearing, just, loving and peaceful Malawi Society.

Aims

(a) To awaken God’s people through the process of conscientisation to:

(i) A further understanding of our call as Christians with regards to social justice, leading to a greater awareness of human rights and corresponding duties.

(ii) A further understanding of integral development and the integrity of creation.
(b) To form a critical conscience that empowers people to challenge and to overcome unjust situations.

Impact Area

CCJP’s impact area which is under Lilongwe Diocese covers seven districts of the Central Region namely: Lilongwe, Mchinji, Kasungu, Dowa, Ntchisi, Salima and Nkhotakota.

CCJP Structure

1. The Bishop of Lilongwe

He is the legal holder of CCJP and the one to whom the Executive Committee of Commissioners is answerable.

2. The Executive Committee of Commissioners

The Executive Committee is the Policy making and advisory body for the Commission and the overseer of the implementation of the projects and activities of the Commission. It meets quarterly and takes part in the monitoring of activities and finances. Professionally, the Committee has two lawyers, two Chartered Accountants, a Banker, one Member of the Clergy, one religious and representative from the grassroots. They serve a term of 3 years.

3. The Secretariat

The Secretariat is headed by the Coordinator who reports to the Executive Committee of Commissioners. The main role of the Coordinator is to provide leadership in developing strategic plans to achieve CCJP’s objectives and coordinate resources towards achieving the set objectives. The Coordinator is assisted by the core staff at the Secretariat.

4. Animators and Community Based Educators

Living together with the grassroots people are Animators and Community Based Educators who are volunteers from different faiths and all aspects of society. The Animators are involved with the provision of capacity building at the community level as well as case handling in partnership with traditional leaders and reports all matters of human rights violations to the Secretariat. Community Based Educators on the other hand, are involved in raising awareness in their respective communities.

5. Members of Staff

Peter Nguluwe Chinoko - CCJP Diocesan Secretary	Enock Kamundi - Monitoring & Evaluation Officer	Patrick Chima - Programme Officer
Ruth Asha Banda - Assistant Legal Officer	Tadala Safuli Accountant	Vincent Waliya - Assistant Accountant
Bahati Kaliati - Administrative Assistant	Elizabeth Majiga - Office Assistant