Tanzanian President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi has emphasized the government's commitment to working closely with faith leaders to promote peace, national unity, and development. Speaking at the consecration and installation of the 11th Bishop of the Anglican Church's Diocese of Zanzibar, Bishop Lameck Paul Ndomba, Dr. Mwinyi described faith leaders as indispensable partners in advancing Tanzania's development. He highlighted the essential role of cooperation between the government and religious institutions in preserving stability and supporting national development.
Dr. Mwinyi noted that religious institutions have become important partners beyond their spiritual role, contributing significantly to education, healthcare, child upbringing, moral development, and community initiatives. He stressed that the government's continued cooperation with faith leaders would help reinforce values of respect, tolerance, and coexistence that have long supported Tanzania's peace and social cohesion. The President encouraged faith leaders to continue working with the government on matters of public interest.
The President commended the Anglican Church for promoting Kiswahili in its meetings and activities, saying such efforts complement Tanzania's campaign to strengthen the language nationally and internationally. Kiswahili has gained prominence as one of the official languages of the East African Community and the African Union, as well as a working language of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Dr. Mwinyi emphasized that promoting Kiswahili reinforces its role as a unifying language and expands its influence beyond Tanzania's borders.
Dr. Mwinyi also pledged continued government cooperation with the Anglican Church in preserving and promoting historical sites, which remain important national assets that safeguard Tanzania's heritage and support education and cultural tourism. He highlighted that historical landmarks in Zanzibar help citizens and visitors understand the country's past and contribute to preserving that legacy for future generations.
Turning to weather preparedness, Dr. Mwinyi urged Tanzanians to follow advisories issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) on the expected Vuli rains, which are forecast to be influenced by El Niño conditions. He called on faith leaders to work with the government in educating communities about precautionary measures to reduce the impact of possible heavy rainfall. The President expressed hope that the rains would bring blessings and spare the nation from potential disasters.
Congratulating Bishop Ndomba on his appointment, Dr. Mwinyi described the role as a great responsibility and wished him wisdom, sound judgement, and strength to lead the Church with integrity. He commended the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Tanzania, Dr. Mahimbo Mndolwa, for efforts to strengthen understanding and restore harmony within the Church. Dr. Mwinyi emphasized that forgiveness, tolerance, love, and unity remain important principles of Christian teachings.
Bishop Ndomba thanked Dr. Mwinyi for maintaining close cooperation with religious institutions and commended the government's efforts to improve people's lives through development projects. The ceremony marked the beginning of Bishop Ndomba's leadership of the Diocese of Zanzibar, as the government renewed its commitment to working with faith institutions on matters affecting communities across the country.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government will continue to cooperate with faith leaders to promote peace, national unity, and development.
- Faith leaders play a crucial role in advancing Tanzania's development beyond their spiritual role.
- The government and Anglican Church will work together to preserve historical sites and promote Kiswahili.
