Clerics urge unity, rebuke selfishness

Dar es Salaam. Christian clerics used their Easter messages yesterday to urge unity among Tanzanians and rebuke selfish pursuits, especially by political leaders.

The men of the cloth were unanimous in their calls on Good Friday for forgiveness and national harmony.

They also reminded the nation that it was crucial to prove the fear of God through shunning evil deeds.

Dr Fredrick Shoo, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), urged equal treatment of people, saying no one had the right to use others for selfish gain.

The cleric expressed concern over what he described as rising incidents of hatred and fights, saying they were a sign that people do not fear God.

“Many people have lost hope due to hatred, and that is why we have been witnessing cases of revenge, even poor turnout during elections,” Dr Shoo said in his sermon. And at Lukajambe Church, the ELCT Archbishop, Dr Benson Bagonza warned against pretence by leaders in pushing for the cause of the poor.

“It is important that we treat each other equally,” said Dr Bagonza. “The poor cannot be used for personal gain, politically, socially or economically.”

At the Azania Front in the city, the ELCT Auxiliary Bishop for the East and Coast Diocese, Rev Chadiel Lwiza also rebuked selfish ambitions among leaders.

“Such leaders cannot stand for justice and equality,” said Reverend Lwiza.

The Catholic Archbishop for Arusha, Isaac Amani urged Tanzanians to reserve food for future use, noting that there will be a food security crisis.

He attributed to situation to inadequate rainfall in some parts of the country. The Archbishop was addressing the congregation at Sheikh Amri Abeid grounds.

The Good Friday prayers were held at the national level at the Karagwe ELCT Diocese, in Kagera Region.