Debate rages after Gwajima church struck off register

The controversy erupted on Monday following a public notice by the Registrar of Civil Societies, Mr Emmanuel Kihampa, who cited violations of Section 17 of the Societies Act, Cap 337, in conjunction with Section 39 of Act No. 3 of 2019.

According to the Registrar, the church was engaged in politically inclined sermons that allegedly incited public discord and endangered national peace.

“I hereby inform you that the registration of the Glory of Christ Tanzania Church has been revoked with effect from today, June 2, 2025. You are required to immediately cease all church-related activities,” reads the letter addressed to the church.

Mixed reactions

The announcement has provoked widespread discussion among religious leaders, legal experts, politicians and social media users.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Karagwe Diocese, Bishop Dr Benson Bagonza, questioned the legality and ethical rationale behind the move.

“Has the church been deregistered or merely closed? And why? Because its leader allegedly overstepped? If so, is the church his private property? Why not hold the individual accountable rather than penalise the entire congregation?” he posted on X formerly Twitter.

Dr Bagonza also warned against infringing on religious liberties: “The freedom to worship is a core right—even if someone chooses to worship political figures. The state should not dictate the content or direction of worship.”

He further cast doubt on the process, noting conflicting letters—one signed, the other not—purportedly issued by authorities.

Social media users echoed his concerns. One questioned: “Why not revoke his pastoral licence instead of closing the church?”

Another asked: “Was Bishop Gwajima warned before this action was taken?”

Instagram user @brightabless2 lamented the decision: “The church gives hope to many across the country, encouraging prayer and fasting for national unity. This decision ignores the needs of the congregation.”

Conversely, some supported the government’s stance. User @atu_gervas9116 wrote: “If he used the pulpit for political messages, that’s a serious issue. Religious platforms shouldn’t be politicised.”

Opposition condemnation

Opposition party ACT Wazalendo denounced the decision, describing it as part of a growing trend of suppressing dissent.

“We view this as another chapter in the erosion of constitutional freedoms—speech, worship, and assembly,” said the party’s Deputy Secretary for Information, Publicity and Public Relations, Ms Shangwe Ayo.

She questioned the apparent double standards applied to clerics: “Why are only pastors who criticise the government accused of politicising the pulpit, while those who praise it are not?” she asked.

ACT Wazalendo has demanded an immediate reversal of the decision, calling it “an unjust act that undermines fundamental freedoms.”

Church raid and uncertainty

Tensions escalated further on Monday night when police raided a church service in Ubungo.

Armed officers cordoned off the premises, ordered congregants to vacate, and marked the church with police tape.

Pastor Christian Laisubira confirmed the presence of Bishop Gwajima during the incident but said his whereabouts have since become unknown.

“The Bishop was there when the raid began. We haven’t seen him since,” said Pastor Christian yesterday morning, June 3, as dozens of congregants camped outside the church.

“We stayed here all night. We won’t leave until we know what has happened to our Bishop,” he added.

Reports indicate that more than 100 church members were arrested, with several alleging they were physically assaulted during the confrontation.

Legal response

Advocate Peter Kibatala confirmed that Bishop Gwajima and several colleagues are in custody at Oysterbay Police Station under the Kinondoni Police Region.

“My office has dispatched a legal team to provide full representation. We are pursuing all legal avenues,” he said.