Clerics call for morality, love on Christmas

KIGOMA: CHRISTIANS in Tanzania today join the rest of the world to celebrate Christmas, marking the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem.

Several religious leaders have delivered Christmas and New Year messages, urging citizens to uphold peace, moral values and love as the foundation of national unity and prosperity.

According to the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), this year’s national Christmas celebrations will be held in Kigoma Region.

In a statement, Padre Raustine Furaha said the Christmas Mass will take place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory in Kigoma Municipality, starting at 8:30 am.

TEC has invited all diocesan and faith-based media outlets, including television, radio and online platforms, to broadcast the mass live, allowing Christians across the country and beyond to participate in the historic event.

“I take this opportunity to thank you and wish you well in your celebrations for Christmas and the New Year 2026. May the Child Jesus be born anew in our lives,” said Padre Furaha.

Church leaders have intensified calls for reflection, reconciliation and national cohesion during the festive season, urging believers to focus on values that sustain peace and development rather than celebrations alone.

Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Bishop Dr Alex Malasusa, said Christmas should not be reduced to merrymaking, but should be a time for forgiveness, inner renewal and promotion of harmony within families and communities.

Dr Malasusa stressed that peace remains the cornerstone of national unity and prosperity and called on Christians to condemn acts that threaten public order, especially during the festive period.

Bishop Joseph Mlola of the Kigoma Catholic Diocese, said Christmas 2025 is a special celebration, marking the Jubilee Year of Christianity.

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“Christmas is an invitation for believers to thank God for blessing us with Jesus Christ, who came to live among us and share in our humanity,” Bishop Mlola said.

He said that humility is central to Christian life, urging leaders, parents and those n authority to be close to those under their care, work with them and guide them with love and justice.

“We must practice humility so that we can reach and support those in need,” he said.

Bishop Mlola also encouraged believers not to fear, saying that Jesus came to bring light, hope, peace and love, not to judge or oppress humanity. He described Christmas as a time for reflection, forgiveness and living a life pleasing to God.

“I urge Tanzanians to welcome Christ into their personal, social and communal lives, so that the light of hope continues to shine,” he said.

Bishop Mlola extended his greetings to all believers, wishing them a Merry Christmas filled with peace, joy, protection and success in all aspects of life.

Other church leaders who echoed similar sentiments include Bishop Dr Abednego Keshomshahara (ELCT North Western Diocese) who said the birth of Jesus, foretold by Prophet Isaiah as the Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God and Prince of Peace, calls on Tanzanians to love one another without discrimination.

Bishop Dr George Fihavango (ELCT Central Diocese) described Christmas as a message of hope to a world burdened by conflict, hatred and moral decline.

Bishop Steven Ngonyani (ELCT South Western Diocese) encouraged believers to deepen their faith through prayer, love and peaceful coexistence.

Bishop Hanard Mienj (ELCT Ulanga Kilombero Diocese) extended condolences to families affected by recent violence and urged authorities to prevent a recurrence.

Bishop Imani Chihona (ELCT Lake Tanganyika Diocese) called on Tanzanians to live out peace, love, respect and renewed hope while contributing to national development.