Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Employment and Relations, Dr Evaline Munisi, has urged the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDC) Salasala to strengthen its role in promoting peace, social cohesion and responsible citizenship.
Dr Munisi made the call on Saturday, September 26, 2026, during a fundraising event at the SDC Salasala congregation aimed at raising TZS400 million for the construction and development of the church.
She said religious institutions had an important role to play in promoting values such as integrity, accountability, love and unity, while educating communities on the importance of peace and national cohesion.
“The government, through the Prime Minister’s Office, is committed to working with social groups to strengthen social cohesion, promote resilience, uphold work ethics and support community development initiatives,” she said.
Dr Munisi also urged church leaders to strengthen spiritual education and the upbringing of children and young people, saying these efforts could contribute to building responsible and united communities.
She further called for transparency and accountability in the management of church resources, alongside continued cooperation between religious institutions and the government.
“Let us stand together and give with joyful hearts. We will witness the Seventh-day Adventist Church being built and strengthened for the glory of God,” Dr Munisi said.
The church’s Buildings Committee chairman, Mr Charles Wangwe, said the SDC was contributing to the provision of social services, particularly in health and education.
He said the church operates hospitals, clinics, health centres and dispensaries in different parts of the country, including a dispensary in Pemba and 12 health facilities comprising 11 dispensaries and one polyclinic.
In education, Mr Wangwe said the church runs 27 pre-primary schools, 23 primary schools and 18 secondary schools, as well as one VETA college, one health college and a middle-level college in Dodoma.
He commended the government for maintaining peace, stability and unity among Tanzanians from different religious backgrounds.
Mr Wangwe said the Salasala congregation was established in 2007 with a small number of members. Its membership increased to 150 by 2010 and 400 by 2018, creating pressure for additional worship space.
He said the church subsequently embarked on plans to construct a new building capable of accommodating about 1,500 worshippers, with the project estimated to cost TZS3 billion.