‘Come, let’s pray for you,’ Lutheran Church head tells election aspirants
Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Bishop Alex Malasusa
What you need to know:
- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already signalled the start of the election period by launching various preparatory activities, including gazetting the Electoral Code of Ethics which were signed recently by all political parties that will take part in the polls.
By Elizabeth Edward
Dar es Salaam. As political parties begin to gear up for the General Election set for October this year, the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Bishop Alex Malasusa, has extended an invitation to election aspirants to come to church for prayers.
Speaking during the Easter Sunday service held on April 20, 2025, at the Azania Front parish in Dar es Salaam, Bishop Malasusa said the church is pleased when its members take part in civic matters, including elections.
His remarks come as the country enters a crucial six-month countdown to polls that will determine the next President, Members of Parliament and local government councillors.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already signalled the start of the election period by launching various preparatory activities, including gazetting the Electoral Code of Ethics which were signed recently by all political parties that will take part in the polls.
“As Christians, we too have the right to vote or be voted for,” said Bishop Malasusa. “When the time comes, let our participation in the electoral process not be done in hiding.”
He added: “Those intending to run for office are welcome to come to church for prayers. We shall pray for you, that God may guide you on this journey. If you feel called, come and be prayed for so that God may enable you to reflect and prepare.”
The bishop also used the Easter service to call on Christians across the country to uphold peace and unity, especially during the election period.
“Let us recognise our responsibility to preserve peace. God urges us to do so—we must be ambassadors of peace,” he said.
“We should stand for peace and foster unity. Let us be mediators. And if you find yourself with nothing constructive to say, it is better to remain silent than to speak words that could incite conflict,” he added.
In his Easter sermon, Bishop Malasusa reminded worshippers of the importance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transformation it should bring to their lives.
“We have no reason to celebrate Easter if it does not touch our lives,” he said. “We must not allow hatred or discrimination among us. Doing so is akin to inviting the devil into our lives.”
“Easter gives us assurance in our faith. Let us ask ourselves—do we feel renewed joy? Has our faith been strengthened? Let us remember that true joy is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
