Archbishop of the RC Church in Arusha,Isaac Amani Massawe.
BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTERS
Religious leaders in Arusha and neighbouring Kilimanjaro regions used Easter sermons to urge peace, unity and moral responsibility as Christians observed their key festival that marks the death on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ more than 2000 years ago.
Across churches in the northern zone, clerics emphasised the importance of love, reconciliation and respect for life, urging Tanzanians to strengthen social cohesion at a time when communities continued to face economic and social pressures.
“Peace must remain the foundation of our nation and it begins with each one of us choosing love, respect and understanding,” said RC Arusha Archbishop, Isaac Amani Massawe, as he added:
“Easter reminds us that life is sacred. We must protect it, value it and live in peace with one another.”
Similar messages were echoed in Kilimanjaro Region, where sermons focused on the role of families and communities in guiding young people. “We must remain close to our young people and guide them on the need for strong moral values, because they are the foundation of our nation’s future,” said the Catholic Bishop of Moshi Diocese, Ludovick Joseph Minde.
Also, the clergy used the Easter occasion to call for accountability and integrity among leaders in both the public and private sectors, urging leaders to serve with humility.
“Leadership is a responsibility to serve, not an opportunity for personal gain. We must act with integrity and put the interests of the people we lead first,” said the Bishop, adding; “This is a season for renewal. Let us rebuild trust, support one another and work together for a more just and peaceful society,” he concluded.
However, the otherwise solemn occasion was blotted this year by reports of an attack at the more than 130-year-old Kagunguli church, Ukerewe Island, in the Lake Zone Diocese of Bunda. Police and church leaders said a man armed with a concealed sharp object tried to force his way to the Alter, apparently with the intention to harm the priest during the morning Holy Mass on Easter Sunday.
According to the reports, a believer, one Costantine Muumba Bituro, restrained the man and escorted him out of the church. However, the man started suddenly to attack Mr Bituro, seriously injuring him and another person who rushed to Mr Bituro’s help. Both the injured were rushed to the Bugando Zonal Referral Hospital in Mwanza city by a special marine ambulance provided by Ukerewe district authorities. As of early Monday, they were all said to be in stable condition.
Unfortunately, it was a sad ending for the attacker. Reports said church goers turned on him, apparently as the Easter mass turned into a chaotic scene. Mwanza Police said in a statement, seen online by The Arusha News, that the attacker was pronounced dead on arrival at the Nansio District Hospital, some 10 kilometres from Kagunguli Church.
