“I removed my ‘mpiandry’ (shepherd/lay preacher) robe during the inauguration of the commemorative plaque and now as I deliver my speech.” The President of the Refondation, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, emphasized that he does not wear his ‘mpiandry’ attire while performing his duties as head of state. “Let no one say that I have brought all of Madagascar into the Lutheran Church,” he stated while speaking during the jubilee service celebrating the 85th anniversary of the “Tobilehibe” in Ankaramalaza on Sunday.
For the head of state, it is “out of respect for the secularism of the State, as mentioned in Article 2 of the Constitution,” that he insists on separating his functions as head of state from his status as a “mpiandry.” He further asserts that the secularism of the State, which he describes as a “complicated subject,” is well respected by his regime in Madagascar. He recalled that in Madagascar, church leaders do not give orders to the head of state, and the State does not subsidize cults or pastors.
Colonel Michaël Randrianirina nevertheless made it clear that just because he has become President of the Refondation does not mean he will abandon the robe in which Jesus has clothed him. “I was a ‘mpiandry’ before becoming head of state,” he insisted, recalling that Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for every individual. “I remain faithful to my faith,” he added.
In his address, the President of the Refondation stated that he “believes that in addition to the efforts made by the State, it is the Revival movement that will save Madagascar.” He also expressed regret over the “Malagasy hypocrisy” that demands secularism while the national anthem invokes God, and even the slightest stumble leads people to call upon God. “The secularism of the State remains a major debate, an important subject of discussion,” he insisted.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-03 03:23:44 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/religion-le-president-de-la-refondation-assure-respecter-la-laicite-de-letat-malgre-son-statut-de-mpiandry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=religion-le-president-de-la-refondation-assure-respecter-la-laicite-de-letat-malgre-son-statut-de-mpiandry