Role of religious groups in social services lauded

Kigoma. The government will continue to appreciate and value the contribution of religious institutions in social service delivery, State Minister in the President’s Office (Special Duties) Prof Mark Mwandosya has said.

He gave the remarks yesterday before thousands of worshippers at Kigoma Cathedral grounds in a speech he delivered on behalf of President Jakaya Kikwete during the consecration of the new Kigoma Diocese Bishop Joseph Mlola.

Prof Mwandosya said it was the government’s duty to appreciate contributions by the Church because “what you’ve been doing has enabled us to meet our Vision 2025 targets.”

“The Catholic Church has been doing a lot of work in supporting social development, especially in the health and education sectors. For instance, here in Kigoma, I’ve been informed that you run many health facilities, including Kabanga Referral Hospital, centres for disadvantaged children and other facilities,” he said.

He also asked the newly installed bishop to assist in educating his congregation on the importance of safeguarding the environment noting that if left unattended, the rapid rate of environmental degradation would subject the country to disasters in the near future. “Safeguarding the environment is also a Biblical call... in the first book of the Bible we are told of how God created the world and its contents. This book reminds us of our noble responsibility of safeguarding the environment,” he said.

In his homily, Archbishop Paul Ruzoka, who was serving as a caretaker leader of the diocese, urged Bishop Mlola not to fear anything in fulfilling his duties as the call he has received comes from God.

Archbishop Ruzoka urged worshippers in the diocese to support their new spiritual leader if they wanted to benefit from his leadership and wisdom. 

Pope representative in the country, Archbishop Francesco Padilla, told Bishop Mlola to stick to the truth even if what he believes threatens his personal life.