Biteko: Bishop Shao leaves lasting impact

KILIMANJARO: THE government has paid tribute to the late Retired Bishop of the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT-ND), Dr Martin Shao, describing him as a dedicated servant whose work left a lasting impact on the Church, the community and the nation at large.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, delivered the government’s condolences on behalf of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan during the funeral service held yesterday in Lole, Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region.

He said Bishop Shao’s contribution to society went far beyond the pulpit.

“Bishop Shao was a person who worked with great effort within the community and the results of his work were beneficial to all people regardless of their spiritual beliefs. His good deeds will continue to inspire every person of goodwill,” Dr Biteko said.

He added that Bishop Shao played a vital role as a bridge between the Church and the government and would be remembered for his unwavering service to the nation.

Dr Biteko noted that even after retirement, Bishop Shao founded an institution dedicated to serving people in various ways, a move that reflected his lifelong devotion to the community.

He highlighted that Bishop Shao was ordained at the young age of 27, showing his early dedication to the ministry.

“He continued to do God’s work with great humility until he rose to the position of Bishop and Head of ELCT-ND, serving faithfully until his retirement with honour,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also comforted Bishop Shao’s family, urging them to remain strong and anchored in faith.

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“I had the privilege of meeting the widow of the deceased and I discovered that we still have a great treasure in this mother. My request is that we continue to pray for her so that God gives her strength to lead the family and continue serving the Church,” he said.

He assured of the government’s com- mitment to working closely with the family, the Church and others touched by Bishop Shao’s life to continue advancing his good works.

Earlier, ELCT Presiding Bishop Dr Alex Malasusa described the late Bishop Shao as a man of peace whose life mirrored Christian values.

“Protecting peace includes trusting and relying on God and Jesus Christ. Our responsibility as Christians is to put our trust in Christ rather than in people or worldly things,” he said.

Bishop Shao passed away on August 25 this year at the age of 86 while receiving treatment at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC).

He was ordained in 1966, elected Bishop and Head of ELCT-ND in 2004 and retired in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of humility, service and peace.