Faith and Inclusion: The Priest Championing LGBTQIA+ Rights in Malawi

Father Martin Kalimbe from Blantyre is a bold and unwavering advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Malawi’s conservative religious landscape. As an ordained Anglican priest, he not only serves his congregation with faith and devotion but also uses his theological expertise to support marginalised communities.

“I have a strong conviction and faith that LGBTQIA+ people are also human beings who need dignity, love, and respect. They are our neighbours, and they also need our love,” Kalimbe asserts.

As Board Chairperson of the Religious Leaders Network for Choice, he is at the forefront of progressive religious discourse, championing a message of love, justice, and dignity for all.

A committed ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, Kalimbe has collaborated extensively with key organisations in Malawi, including Nyasa Rainbow Alliance (NRA), the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP), the Malawi Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV and AIDS (Manerela+), and the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR).

His influence extends beyond national borders, working alongside international organisations to reshape narratives around faith and LGBTQIA+ rights. Through his advocacy, Kalimbe demonstrates that love and inclusion are at the heart of Christian teachings.

The Church’s Role in Oppressing LGBTQIA+ Malawians

The church in Malawi has played a significant role in the marginalisation of LGBTQIA+ individuals through exclusionary theology, misinformation, and active participation in anti-LGBTQIA+ policies. Many religious leaders continue to use biblical scripture to justify discrimination, reinforcing the belief that LGBTQIA+ identities are sinful or unnatural.

For years, sermons have fuelled stigma and rejection, leading to societal alienation, family disownment, and even violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals. Furthermore, churches have actively opposed legal recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights, often aligning with political leaders to resist progressive policies.

The church’s stance has also contributed to mental health struggles among LGBTQIA+ Malawians, as religious condemnation fosters internalised shame, guilt, and fear. By promoting anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and excluding queer individuals from spiritual and community spaces, the church continues to perpetuate discrimination.

However, leaders like Kalimbe are working to change this narrative. “The mere fact that God created us in his own image is an indication that even LGBTQIA+ people bear His image and therefore there is no justification whatsoever to hate them,” he states. For Kalimbe, faith and LGBTQIA+ acceptance are not opposing forces but complementary beliefs that must coexist.

Understanding Scripture in Context

One of the most significant barriers to LGBTQIA+ acceptance within Christian communities is the misinterpretation of certain Bible verses. When asked about Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27—often cited to condemn LGBTQIA+ individuals—Kalimbe argues that these scriptures refer to ritualistic temple prostitution and exploitative power-driven relationships, not genuine love.

“These verses should be interpreted based on context. They were written during a time when homosexual practices and acts were rampant among non-Jews and were associated with pagan worship.”

He urges religious leaders to engage in honest theological reflection rather than clinging to outdated dogma. Applying ancient cultural laws to modern-day loving relationships, he argues, is both unfair and inaccurate.

Biblical Precedents for Trans Identities

Many Malawian churches claim that gender diversity is unnatural, but Kalimbe believes scripture tells a different story.

“There are no explicit theological teachings or scriptures, but we read in the Bible about eunuchs (Acts 8:36-38, Matthew 19:12),” Kalimbe explains. These individuals did not fit within traditional gender norms, yet Jesus acknowledged their existence without condemnation. This serves as a powerful precedent for trans acceptance in Christianity.

Many Malawian religious communities believe that LGBTQIA+ identities are a Western import—a view Kalimbe strongly rejects. “The belief that LGBTQIA+ people’s identities are unnatural and un-African is one of the biggest misconceptions,” he asserts. Kalimbe points out that pre-colonial African societies recognised diverse gender and sexual identities. 

He argues that it was colonialism that introduced rigid gender norms and intolerance into Africa. By addressing these misconceptions, he hopes to shift perspectives towards acceptance.

Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Christians

Many LGBTQIA+ individuals struggle to find a spiritual home where they feel accepted. Kalimbe is determined to change that by making his congregation a safe and affirming space.

“By promoting dialogue and creating sessions where issues of sexuality are discussed freely by my parishioners,” he explains, “we can foster an environment where everyone feels welcome.” He believes open conversations are key to reducing stigma and fostering understanding.

Religious teachings often lead LGBTQIA+ individuals to internalise self-hatred. Kalimbe encourages them to reclaim their faith and accept themselves.

“They need to open up and talk about their sexuality with their families and religious leaders. They should embrace their personal faith journey, consider professional support, explore diverse perspectives, practise self-compassion, and connect with Christian communities that embrace LGBTQIA+ individuals,” he advises.

Facing Backlash with Courage

Standing up for LGBTQIA+ rights in a conservative religious society comes with challenges. Kalimbe has faced resistance from fellow religious leaders and community members.

In July 2023, during the court case of Jana Gonani, a trans woman fighting a legal battle, religious leaders led protests against “same-sex marriage”—despite the fact that this was not even under discussion in the court hearings.

Kalimbe and his group, the Religious Leaders Network for Choice, protested in opposition, urging other religious leaders to embrace inclusion regardless of gender identity or sexuality. His response to criticism is simple: “Love is greater than fear.”

Kalimbe believes engagement with church leaders is essential. “Through dialogue with them, their perspectives change. They begin to understand and appreciate who LGBTQIA+ people are,” he says. His experience proves that open discussions can lead to gradual shifts in religious and societal attitudes.

Encouraging Allies to Speak Up

Kalimbe believes many Malawian Christians want to support LGBTQIA+ individuals but fear rejection from their church communities.

“I would like to encourage them not to give up in their quest for justice for those who are victimised because of their sexual orientation. They need to continue their great work in preaching tolerance and acceptance among all people, regardless of their sexual orientation,” he advises.

His words serve as a call to action for allies to stand up for love and justice, reinforcing his vision of a future where Malawian churches lead with inclusion rather than exclusion.

“By fostering and promoting love, justice, compassion, and mercy among people, providing support and counselling, and challenging harmful norms like stigma and discrimination, the church can empower people with knowledge about the theology of inclusion and love, as well as highlight the importance of human rights,” he envisions.

Through his advocacy, Father Kalimbe is proving that faith and LGBTQIA+ acceptance are not mutually exclusive. His message is clear: Christianity should be a force for love, not division. 

 

Shassy is a black, pansexual, non-binary extraordinary individual who has dedicated their life to better the lives of queer Malawians so they can also feel free to express and find themselves. They are an artist, photographer, writer and overall find themselves living a unique life.

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