Local News

Bishop urges followers to air views on new constitution

THE Head of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Bishop Dr Alex Malasusa.

RELIGIOUS leaders have been urged to sensitize their followers to air their views in the on-going constitutional reform process.

Speaking to the faithful in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, the Head of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Bishop Dr Alex Malasusa, said the constitution issue cut across religious boundaries.

As such, it was inappropriate to remain silent now when a chance to give views was available, and complain  later when the document is already in place. Dr Malasusa was inaugurating the Kijitonyama Parish investment building worth 3.5bn/-.

"The constitution of a country is relevant  to every  citizen,  irrespective of their religions. People should make sure the document reflects their wishes," he told the congregation. Bishop Malasusa said sensitization of religious followers to participate fully in rewriting of the constitution was one of the resolutions made at the ELCT Executive Committee held in Arusha on Saturday.

  It was important for Tanzanians to ensure that the constitution does not allow strange practices such as same sex marriages and  abortions, he said.  He advised that the new constitution should continue highlighting  that Tanzania is a secular state. 
He warned that it was becoming common for people to shy away from civic events, including elections, but later complain about the outcome.

On good parenting, Dr Malasusa said the youth needed to be guided to understand their democratic rights and register in the permanent voter register.  Dr Malasusa also condemned corruption in public offices saying the vice was bad for the nation and  was a sin against God.  On the Kijitonyama investment house, the bishop advised the parish to help the poor and provide jobs  to  followers of the church instead of  targeting  rich people only.