On December 18, 2022 — Apostle Dr. Boniface Mwamposa Broke All Records at Mkapa Stadium, declaring: 'With God, There Are No Competitions.: Photo: File
By Adonis Byemelwa
The
Pentecostal Churches Council of Tanzania (CPCT) has made headlines with a
decisive statement condemning the use of prayer aids by certain religious
leaders. This announcement was made in the presence of Prime Minister Kassim
Majaliwa at the climax of the CPCT Bishops’ Council meeting, which took place
at the Miyuji Bible College auditorium in Dodoma on July 19, 2024.
Dr.
Baraka Kihoza, CPCT Secretary General, expressed the council’s disapproval of
religious leaders who use items such as anointing oil, holy water, cakes,
cloths, salt, and soil during their services. “Tanzanians should recognize that
these leaders are not true Pentecostals,” Dr. Kihoza asserted. “They contradict
the principles of Pentecostalism, which is based on faith in the name of Jesus
Christ, not on physical items.”
Dr.
Kihoza explained that these leaders misuse biblical scriptures to profit from
selling spiritual services. “These leaders are exploiting the faith of
believers for commercial purposes. They are using biblical scriptures out of
context to justify their actions,” he said. He emphasized that true Pentecostal
faith focuses on miracles and healing through Jesus Christ alone, not through
material items.
The
CPCT’s announcement comes against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny over the
commercialization of spiritual services. Recent investigations have revealed
that some church leaders are profiting significantly from the sale of prayer
aids.
These
include anointing oils, holy water, and prayer cloths, which are sold at high
prices, imposing financial burdens on their followers. Reports indicate that
some leaders are charging up to Sh10,000 for a bottle of prayer water, Sh20,000
for anointing oil, and Sh30,000 to Sh60,000 for prayer cloths.
Dr.
Barnabas Mtokambali, Chairman of CPCT, highlighted the need for transparency
and adherence to Pentecostal values. “Our faith is founded on the word of God,
not on material items. We must uphold the integrity of our beliefs and ensure
that spiritual services are not commercialized,” he said.
The
situation has been further complicated by the controversial figure of Diana
Bundala from Mwanza, also known as Zumarid. Bundala has attracted significant
attention for her provocative claims and actions. She refers to herself as “God
under the sun” and has been vocal in her criticism of Jesus Christ. Her church,
which was previously shut down due to controversy, has made a comeback, drawing
attention for its unorthodox practices.
Bundala
claims to have had a divine encounter in heaven where she met Abraham and
Joshua. She describes seeing golden skyscrapers and engaging in a one-on-one
conversation with God. These claims have sparked outrage and debate, with
critics questioning the legitimacy of her revelations. Bundala’s church has
faced accusations of exploiting her followers with these extravagant claims.
Her return has further fueled controversy and raised questions about her
credibility.
CPCT Chairman Dr. Barnabas
Mtokambali. Photo: Courtesy
The
commercialization of spiritual services and the rise of controversial figures
like Bundala have raised concerns among social analysts and religious scholars.
There are growing fears that the integrity of religious faith is being
undermined by leaders who exploit their followers for financial gain. Reports
have emerged of individuals being coerced into giving up their possessions,
including land and savings, in exchange for spiritual blessings promised by
these leaders.
During
a recent prayer service, a witness described how congregants were encouraged to
bring their goods as offerings. “I was told to bring my capital to the altar to
receive more blessings,” said one attendee. “This is part of my savings, which
I hope will bring me prosperity.” The witness noted that many were convinced
that their contributions would lead to significant financial returns,
highlighting the pressure exerted on followers by these leaders.
The
CPCT’s statement has been met with a mix of support and skepticism. Some view
it as a necessary step to curb the exploitation of believers, while others
question whether it will be enough to address the broader issues within the
religious community. The CPCT’s call for adherence to Pentecostal values and
rejection of materialistic practices has been endorsed by many within the faith
community who believe in maintaining the purity of their beliefs.
Prime
Minister Kassim Majaliwa, who attended the CPCT meeting, reassured the public
that the upcoming local government and general elections in 2025 would be
conducted fairly. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the
government and religious institutions in addressing societal challenges.
“We
appreciate the support of religious institutions in advancing national
development,” Majaliwa said. “They play a crucial role in addressing issues
such as poverty, poor education, and health. We must continue to work together
to achieve our common goals.”
Majaliwa
also urged Tanzanians to register for the upcoming elections and to participate
actively in the democratic process. “It is important for citizens to engage in
the electoral process and ensure that their voices are heard,” he said.
The
controversy surrounding figures like Diana Bundala and the commercialization of
spiritual services highlights the need for vigilance and accountability in
religious practices. As the CPCT continues to advocate for the principles of
Pentecostalism, there is a growing call for greater oversight and regulation of
religious activities to prevent exploitation and maintain the integrity of
faith.
The
CPCT’s statement represents a significant response to the growing concerns
about the misuse of prayer aids and the rise of controversial religious
leaders. The call for adherence to core Pentecostal values and the rejection of
materialistic practices reflects a broader effort to ensure that spiritual
services remain genuine and aligned with established religious principles. The
situation with Diana Bundala and similar figures underscores the ongoing
challenges faced by the religious community in navigating the complex
intersection of faith, commerce, and credibility.