DAR ES SALAAM: THE call for peace, tolerance and unity at the family and community level resonated strongly as religious leaders across various regions delivered powerful messages during both Christmas Eve and Holy Mass on Wednesday.
Clerics urged their followers to uphold peace and harmony, insisting that the values are essential for the nation’s progress and wellbeing.
The Christmas celebrations were nationally marked in Iringa region. During the vigil service at Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCT) Iringa cathedral, the former Iringa Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) Chairman Dr Joseph Mgomi called on Tanzanians to send good messages that aim at bringing positive changes in the society.
Dr Mgomi, who is currently the Bishop of Ruaha Diocese of the Anglican church urged Tanzanians to love each other and maintain peace saying Jesus Christ was born for everybody.
The Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Zanzibar Bishop Augustine Ndeliakyama Shao said no one can shout out to claim that God is with us if they do not genuinely address issues of justice for all.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us reject conflict, act justly, build peace and reach out to those we may have forgotten,” Bishop Shao said.
He commended the Zanzibar government, noting that: “Many ongoing projects in Zanzibar signal a brighter future for us all.
However, we must actively contribute to building these hopes by becoming more responsible.
” The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Bishop Alex Malasusa called on Tanzanians to embrace peace especially at the time when the nation is heading to the 2025 General Election.
Dr Malasusa said the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of peace should guide all voters, election officials and candidates to engage in prayer and commit to protecting the country’s peace and unity. Bishop Malasusa was preaching during Christmas service at Azania Front in Dar es salaam.
He said the November 27 local government elections had indicators of violence and misunderstanding among Tanzanians and that there is need for the government to take necessary measures to resolve the differences before it is too late.
“From the just ended local government, we need to pray so that there could be no disrupt of peace in the coming general election next year,” he explained. The Archbishop of the Mwanza Roman Catholic Diocese, Renatus Nkwande, urged Tanzanians to place their trust in the Almighty God and celebrate Christmas in peace.
He called on them to continue living in love and to refrain from committing evil deeds in society.
The Auxiliary Bishop of Dar es Salaam Roman Catholic Archdiocese, Stephano Musomba said that in commemorating the birthday of Jesus Christ, Tanzanians need to preach peace from the individual, family and national level.
Giving homily during Christmas eve at St Peter Church in Dar es Salaam, Bishop Musomba said peace and reconciliation are major pillars in building strong society that respect each other.
He also asked Tanzanians to love and help each other unconditionally. “Wherever there is peace, there is love and enduring of each other,” said Bishop Msomba.
He said preaching peace is part of celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ and that the preachings must also consider the changes of technology that are in line with the current generation.
ALSO READ:Mwinyi sends Christmas greetings, call for religious tolerance
“Let us reflect and examine our deeds to see if we are humble as Christ and whether we are living by following Christ,” he said.
During the vigil service held at Saint Alban’s Anglican Church in Dar es Salaam, which was adorned with Christmas carols, colourful lights and Christ mas trees, a vast number of Christians gathered to prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
The Bishop of the Anglican Church, Diocese of Dar es Salaam, Jackson Sostenes asked Tanzanians to pray for peace as the country heads to general elections next year. His message was read in Church by Fr Jacob Kahemele of St Alban Church, Dar es Salaam.
He said the country needs patriotic leaders who will prioritise the national interest and not focus on personal desires that disregard the public and God. “2025 is the year of our country’s general elections, for the presidency, parliament and councils.
It is important for us to pray for the country’s safe passage, but also that the election is held peacefully and fairly,” he said.
The ELCT Kijitonyama Parish, Pastor Anna Kuyonga, urged the congregation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by renewing their way of thinking in every of life for transformation.
Fr Adolf Kamandagu of Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral Parish in Ngokolo emphasised the importance of Tanzanians to maintaining peace.
Moreover, Fr Denis Rweyunga of Katoma Parish, Kagera Region called on the community to ensure love and care for children, thus strengthening family bonds.
