By The Arusha News Reporter
Senior Christian prelates in northern Tanzania have emphasised the need for peace and stability in October General Elections.
Delivering separate Easter messages during church service, bishops from Arusha, Tanga and Kilimanjaro regions all called on the Christian faithful — and Tanzanians in general — to uphold harmony, unity and calm during this important period in the nation’s democratic calendar.
Archbishop Isaac Amani Massawe of the Catholic Archdiocese of Arusha underscored the sanctity of life and the importance of peace in any country. He warned against political violence and urged the faithful to uphold moral values and social harmony.
“During this period, you should reflect and commit yourselves to promoting life and peace within your communities,” he told the congregation at St Theresa Church of the Child Jesus.
Meanwhile, Tanga Regional Commissioner (RC), Dr Batilda Burian, emphasised in her Easter greetings the importance of peace, unity and love in a nation viewed as one large family.
“Let us continue to celebrate with happiness, peace and calm while preserving the unity and love that bind our nation as we approach the General Elections,” she said in her Instagram Easter message to residents of Tanga.
Father John Mavengero of the Roman Catholic Church in Potwe Parish, Muheza District, Tanga Region, used his Easter sermon to encourage Christians to reflect on the suffering and resurrection of Jesus Christ as a symbol of endurance and selfless love.
“Tanzanians must embrace political, economic and social tolerance in order to elect leaders who will bring development,” he said.
The retired Head of the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Bishop Fredrick Shoo, stressed the need for reconciliation, free and fair elections and respect for the people’s will in the October polls.
In an Easter sermon at the ELCT Cathedral in Moshi Urban, Kilimanjaro Region, Bishop Shoo said the resurrection of Jesus Christ stood for peace, justice and love in a world growing increasingly turbulent.
