Let love lead, faith leaders say

MOROGORO: RELIGIOUS leaders across the country have called on Tanzanians to uphold love, peace and unity as the foundation of national stability and a peaceful electoral process, as Christians across the nation commemorated Easter.

Leading the national Easter Mass at St Andrew the Apostle Cathedral Parish in Ifakara, Morogoro, Bishop Salutaris Libena of the Catholic Diocese said that the love shared among Tanzanians is the root of the country’s enduring peace, unity and solidarity.

“As a nation, we are proud to say that we enjoy peace—we have no war or conflict. But we must strive to preserve that peace,” Bishop Libena said.

“Peace is more than just the absence of war; it is a state of the heart, built on justice, mutual re- spect and ensuring that every Tan- zanian lives with dignity.” He called on citizens to em- brace the Easter spirit by living lives filled with love, forgiveness and compassion.

“As we celebrate the resur- rection of Jesus Christ, let us also resurrect our commitment to one another as brothers and sisters. Let love lead in our families, commu- nities and across the nation,” he urged.

In the Kilimanjaro Region, Bishop Ludovick Joseph Minde of the Moshi Catholic Diocese encouraged worshippers to use Easter as a time for spiritual reflection and to reinforce their faith and moral conduct beyond the Lenten season.

“The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith,” Bishop Minde said during Easter Mass at Christ the King Cathedral.

“Let us pray that God strengthens our faith, so the good deeds we practiced during Lent become a lifelong habit. A complete faith energises individuals, the church and the nation.”

He reminded congregants that the spiritual purification during Lent should not end with Easter, especially as the Church prepares to celebrate the Great Jubilee Year 2025.

In Mwanza, Father Pantaleo Cuhas of Bugando Mission Parish linked the Easter message to the upcoming General Election, urging citizens to prioritise national interests over personal or political gain.

“If Tanzanians participate in elections guided by love and avoid selfishness, partisan politics and tribalism then the elections will be free, fair and hopeful,” he said.

“Let our thoughts be immersed in the ballot box so that God may give us honest leaders.”

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Father Cuhas called for prayers for all those involved in the electoral process candidates, voters and coordinators so that they act with love and uphold peace.

“Easter is a celebration of joy and we need that joy and peace to last throughout the year,” he added.

Meanwhile in Zanzibar, Reverend Godwin Emmanuel Masoud of the Anglican Church also appealed for unity and prayer, regardless of religious or political affiliation, especially as the nation approaches the General Election.

Speaking during a Good Friday service at the Anglican Cathedral in Mkunazini, Stone Town, Rev Masoud said, “All people are created by God and no religion advocates for the destruction of peace. We must continue to pray for successful election and for those seeking leadership to become ambassadors of peace.”

He stressed that once peace is lost, restoring it becomes far more difficult urging Tanzanians to cherish and protect the stability the country enjoys.

“The Church’s responsibility is to pray for the nation. Our peace is a gift that we must guard with vigilance.”

Reflecting on the significance of Good Friday, Rev Masoud reminded worshippers of Jesus’ forgiveness even in suffering a lesson, he said, that should inspire Tanzanians to pursue unity, compassion and reconciliation. Worshippers also echoed messages of peace and unity.

Catherine Ihuya, a member of Bugando Mission Church, said she is praying for calm during the election season.

“We want justice to prevail and for our country to remain a place of peace,” she said.

In Stone Town, choir director James Kaleza noted that music and spiritual reflection during Holy Week deepen worshippers’ connection to God.

Another congregant, Faith Millece Subeti, urged fellow Christians to reflect on Christ’s suffering rather than treat Good Friday as a day of leisure.