Biteko urges unity, compassion
DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has called on Tanzanians to embrace tolerance, respect and love, drawing inspiration from the teachings of holy scriptures.
He made the call during the fifth National Eucharistic Congress held at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The Eucharistic Congress is a major event within the Catholic Church, where believers come together to celebrate and deepen their understanding of the Eucharist, a central sacrament in the Catholic faith.
This year’s congress was held under the theme, “Fraternity Heals the World, We Are All Brothers,” reflecting the church’s commitment to promoting unity and peace. “We have all listened to powerful sermons today.
We’ve been taught to become more united, to be more tolerant of one another and to uphold respect as one Tanzanian nation. Differences in opinion should not divide us; the Holy Eucharist should unite us.”
Dr Biteko also underscored the importance of teaching compassion and care for others, noting that this would ensure Tanzania remains a better place for everyone to live. Commenting on the congress theme, he emphasised its significance in fostering unity.
“As we leave here, let us share the teachings with others and experience renewal. The Holy Eucharist has given us guidance on living a new life,” he stated.
Additionally, Dr Biteko encouraged Tanzanians to participate in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for November, urging them to elect leaders based on merit, who will contribute to the nation’s progress.
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In his sermon during the Holy Mass, the President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Bishop Wolfgang Pisa, highlighted that the congress marked the conclusion of the 50th Jubilee of Small Christian Communities (SCCs) across all dioceses in the country.
Bishop Pisa noted that SCCs have been instrumental in reaching believers, with the Holy Eucharist serving as their unifying connection.
“This is a sacrament of love and we should not discriminate based on ideology, colour or any other grounds. We all worship the same God.
Brothers and sisters, let us approach this sacrament without sin and pray for it to renew us,” Bishop Pisa urged.
He also expressed his gratitude to believers from various dioceses for their participation in the congress, announcing that the next congress would be held in four years at the Archdiocese of Arusha in the Arusha Region.
The event was attended by government leaders and representatives from political parties, including the ruling CCM and the opposition CHADEMA.
