Thousands of people including cabinet ministers bade fare well to Reverend Edina Navaya who once served as Moderator of the Blantyre Synod of the CCAP on top of being first female to be ordained a minister of word and sacrament in the synod.
Minister of Gender, Community development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza who represented President Chakwera said the government was saddened by the death of Rev. Navaya who left a legacy in the church history as first woman reverend.
Sendeza made the remarks at St Michael and all Angels Multipurpose hall during a funeral service where Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale was also in attendance.
Late Navaya also served as deputy synod moderator two terms and served as board chairperson of Christian Literature Association of Malawi (Claim -Mabuku )twice.
“She was focused and educated,” Sendeza said and called on women to emulate the life of late Rev. Navaya who fought her way to top positions in the church.
Blantyre Synod General Secretary Anderson Juma said death of Rev. Navaya was loss to the church saying she left a legacy worth emulating.
“She always stood for the truth. The church will greatly miss her” Juma added describing her as a pillar in the church.
Born on October 31, 1969, Navaya was ordained in 2001 and served as congregational moderator at Phalombe CCAP, Nsondole in Zomba, Mbenjere CCAP at Ntaja in Machinga and Balaka CCAP among other areas with the Blantyre Synod.
Holder of Masters Degree in Theology, Navaya was stationed at Limbe CCAP at the time of her death and this was where vigil took place before the sendoff funeral service at St. Michael and all Angels Multipurpose Hall closer to the cemetery where she was laid to rest.
Synod Moderator emeritus, Navaya who was married to Rev. Navaya (retired) passed away on Sunday October 29, 2023
