On June 2, 2025, the Registrar of Civil Societies officially revoked the registration of Glory of Christ Tanzania Church "Kanisa la Ufufuo na Uzima".
This decision was made under the authority of Section 17(b) of the Societies Act, Chapter 337, as amended by Section 39(b) of the Written Laws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act No. 3 of 2019.
The deregistration follows allegations that the church’s leadership has been delivering politically charged sermons, particularly through social media and public platforms, which have been interpreted as inciting tensions between the government and citizens.
According to the Registrar, such actions violate provisions of the law, as they threaten national peace and public order.
In response, the government has ordered the immediate cessation of all church activities under the name Glory of Christ Tanzania Church Kanisa la Ufufuo na Uzima.
The Registrar emphasized that any further operations under the deregistered name would be unlawful.
Despite this decision, the church retains the right to appeal. According to Section 19(1) of the Societies Act, a deregistered organization may challenge the decision by submitting an appeal to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs within 21 days from the date of the notice.
This legal avenue provides the church an opportunity to contest the deregistration if it believes due process was not followed or if it disputes the grounds for the decision.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among Tanzanians. While some support the government’s action as necessary to maintain national cohesion and prevent political exploitation of the pulpit, others have raised concerns about potential infringements on religious freedom and civil rights.
The situation brings to light the delicate balance between safeguarding national security and upholding constitutional freedoms such as freedom of worship and expression.
Ultimately, the deregistration of Glory of Christ Tanzania Church underscores the importance of accountability within religious institutions, particularly when their influence extends into political discourse.
As the church considers its next steps, the broader national conversation continues around the appropriate boundaries between faith, governance, and civic responsibility.