The Archbishop of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Bagamoyo, Stephano Lameck Musomba, has condemned the growing tendency among some members of the public to celebrate the deaths of leaders, warning that the behaviour reflects a worrying decline in moral values within society.
Delivering a sermon during the Good Friday service on April 3, 2026 at the Parish of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in Bunju, Dar es Salaam, Archbishop Musomba said the trend signals a deeper social challenge that requires serious reflection and dialogue to address political and social differences in the country.
He noted that in African traditions death has always been treated as a moment of mourning and unity, where communities come together to comfort one another rather than celebrate the loss of life.
“It is not normal for our society to celebrate death. Traditionally we mourned together and stood in solidarity during times of loss, but what we are witnessing today should worry us,” said Archbishop Musomba.
According to him, the emerging behaviour indicates that important moral foundations within society are gradually eroding and requires open discussion and honest engagement to restore respect and compassion among citizens.
The archbishop called on Tanzanians to embrace dialogue, tolerance and lawful means in addressing grievances, stressing that differences in political or social views should not lead to hatred or the loss of humanity.
He also urged citizens to educate one another on the importance of patience and understanding, warning that failure to resolve disagreements peacefully could lead to unnecessary conflicts and divisions within communities.
Archbishop Musomba further cautioned about what he described as a growing spread of superstitious beliefs in many parts of the country, saying such practices, if tolerated and normalised, could have serious consequences for society in the future.
He urged both Catholics and the wider Tanzanian community to uphold strong moral values, emphasising the importance of unity, compassion and ethical conduct as the country continues to navigate social and political challenges.
The Good Friday sermon, he said, serves as a reminder of the need for reflection, forgiveness and reconciliation, which remain essential pillars for maintaining peace and harmony in society.
