Religious leaders in Tanzania have been urged to intensify their role in promoting peace and condemning actions that threaten national unity, as Dr George Pindua was officially consecrated and installed as Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Morogoro Diocese.
The call was made by Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima, who represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the consecration and installation service held in Morogoro. Dr Pindua was installed together with Assistant Bishop Peter Makalla.
Speaking on behalf of the Head of State, Mr Malima said faith leaders hold a central position in shaping moral values and social harmony, and should remain steadfast in teaching ethics and unity while speaking firmly against divisive behaviour.
“Religious leaders should not tire of preaching morals and peace to their followers and to all Tanzanians,” Mr Malima said, warning against individuals who deliberately introduce practices and ideologies that are inconsistent with Tanzanian culture and values.
He stressed that Tanzanians, whether Muslims, Christians or those without religious affiliation, are traditionally known for unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, adding that any attempts to undermine these values should be openly challenged.
Mr Malima further urged religious institutions to strengthen cooperation with the government in addressing key social priorities, including environmental conservation, healthcare delivery and education.
On behalf of President Samia, he also presented a donation of TZS 50 million to support the completion of social development projects being implemented by the ELCT Morogoro Diocese.
Speaking after his installation, Bishop Dr Pindua said the diocese remains committed to serving the wider community, particularly through health services, but requires increased support to enhance service delivery.
He appealed to the government to assist in strengthening Mkulazi Health Centre by providing medical personnel, hospital beds and essential medical equipment.
“To provide quality health services to the community, we are requesting government support to upgrade Mkulazi Health Centre, including improving maternity and children’s wards,” Dr Pindua said, noting that more than TZS 200 million is required to complete the planned improvements.
He also highlighted the diocese’s leading role in combating violence against girls, including child marriages, sexual abuse and rape. Dr Pindua said many girls have been forced to drop out of school and enter early marriages, undermining their rights and future prospects.
In response, he said, the ELCT Morogoro Diocese, in collaboration with development partners, has established a safe shelter for girls rescued from forced marriages and school dropouts.
The centre provides legal support and rehabilitation, enabling many of the girls to return to school.
ELCT Presiding Bishop Dr Alex Malasusa called on Tanzanians to safeguard peace, love and national cohesion, urging believers to avoid blindly following harmful influences and to continue praying for peace and stability in the country.
The ELCT Morogoro Diocese has more than 45,000 members. The service was attended by senior government leaders, including Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Denis Londo, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation James Ole Milya, and Morogoro Urban Member of Parliament Abdullaziz Abood.