Christmas sermons focus on 2025 polls and healthcare

Dar es Salaam.  As Tanzanians celebrate Christmas, the fulfilment of the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) promise and the importance of peace ahead of the 2025 elections dominated messages from religious leaders.
The clergymen called for national unity and urged the government to continue supporting farmers and small-scale traders.
These messages were shared during Christmas Eve sermons and Mass as Christians across the country joined in marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian Community of Tanzania (CCT) at a national Christmas service in the Lutheran Church of the Iringa Diocese, Bishop Blastone Gaville emphasised the need for significant investments in education and health.
He particularly lauded the government’s introduction of new health insurance packages, calling it a step in the right direction. “Any nation that truly cares for its people invests in their health, development, and security across all dimensions,” said Bishop Gaville.
He acknowledged that many Tanzanians struggle with low incomes and cannot afford medical expenses.
He also expressed gratitude to stakeholders assisting the underprivileged with medical care, emphasising that the promised universal health insurance could provide life-saving support for many.
Regarding Tanzania’s recent local government elections, Bishop Gaville commended citizens for their participation, encouraging them to continue exercising their rights responsibly. He called for collaboration between elected officials and citizens to build a united, stronger nation.
“Challenges that arose during the elections must be addressed by all parties to ensure a nation founded on justice. Tanzanians should unite to prevent such issues from reoccurring,” he said. With the 2025 general elections just around the corner, Bishop Gaville urged prayers for peaceful elections and for God to guide leaders with the qualities needed for the nation’s future.
“As a church, our primary duty is to pray and advise. We will not stop doing this,” assured Bishop Gaville.
He also encouraged citizens to run for office and vote, hoping the elections would be fair and peaceful and that justice and peace would prevail.
The Christian leaders also focused on agriculture and trade, sectors that directly affect most Tanzanians, with Bishop Gaville urging the government to continue fostering an environment that supports farmers and small-scale traders, ensuring they can work in safe and secure conditions.
“Farmers and small-scale traders must be provided with favourable conditions to thrive in a safe, organised, and sustainable environment,” he said.
He further noted concerns about this year’s weather patterns, which indicated insufficient rainfall for long-term crops. He appealed for government assistance in providing drought-resistant seed varieties to ensure adequate food production in the coming year.
Lastly, the CCT voiced concern over the rise in violent and inhumane behaviour in the country.
Bishop Gaville condemned acts of cruelty, particularly gender-based violence, and urged Tanzanians to reject such behaviours, which threaten national peace and security.
“The newborn Jesus does not condone cruelty,” he said, highlighting the shameful nature of child abuse, rape, and sodomy.
“These are signs of a society that lacks God’s presence,” he insisted.
At the Azania Front, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Bishop Alex Malasusa appealed to poll administrators, voters, and leaders to uphold the nation’s peace before and after the 2025 elections. He stressed the importance of addressing signs of unrest witnessed in the 2024 local government elections.
“This year’s local government elections showed signs of peace being threatened. We must work to prevent these issues from affecting the upcoming general election,” said Bishop Malasusa.
“We should pray for the country’s peace because Jesus is the King of Peace,” he added.
Bishop Malasusa also emphasised the power of dialogue in resolving differences, encouraging Tanzanians to pray for the nation, believing that prayer, guided by the Holy Spirit, could help overcome these challenges.
Reflecting on 2024, Bishop Malasusa described it as a year of fear, citing concerns over abductions and other security issues. He urged the public to pray that such fears would not continue into the New Year, invoking the protection of Jesus Christ against violence and suffering. “The word ‘abduction’ creates fear. We pray that 2024, the year of fear, does not repeat itself and that the news of abductions disappears in the name of Jesus,” he said, adding that God should deal with those who abduct and torture others.
The bishop also expressed concern about the decline in youth participation in church activities, urging the public to encourage younger generations to attend services and keep places of worship vibrant.
“Christmas is not just about gifts and greetings; it’s about transforming our lives and becoming better people,” he added. In the Dar es Salaam Archdiocese, Fr Denis Regwira of Saint Joseph Cathedral extended the call for peace to the international community, asking Tanzanians to pray for countries in conflict. He called for the elimination of hatred and fear, praying for Tanzania’s protection and the strengthening of family bonds. “May God protect our country and strengthen our families as bridges of grace. The birth of Jesus reminds us that God values and restores the dignity of humanity, even after we fall into sin,” he said.
Fr Exavia Mpambichile of the Anglican Church in the Kibaha Diocese also highlighted the importance of peace, urging the congregation to pray for the 2025 General Election. He emphasised that without peace, there can be no harmony or development.
“Let us pray for peace—starting from the family, the community, the church, the nation, and the world at large. Without peace, there is no progress,” said Fr Mpambichile.
The Assemblies of God Gospel Church International (AGGCI) Bishop Asumwisye Mwaisabila condemned recent kidnapping incidents.
Speaking during a Christmas Mass in Mbeya, Bishop Mwaisabila called for the swift arrest of the perpetrators, emphasising the nature of the abductions was unacceptable.
“A person is kidnapped in broad daylight, with witnesses around. This creates fear for all of us, and we must speak out. If we remain silent, we too may become victims. The kidnappers must be apprehended and dealt with accordingly,” he said.
“The bishop also stressed that these crimes are tarnishing the image of a president who is well known for her hard work, patriotism, and faith. I urge citizens to unite and pursue peaceful activities,” he added.
Bishop Mwaisabila also addressed the role of local government officials in implementing development projects, noting that their failure to effectively carry out their duties undermines the President’s efforts, especially given the government’s allocation of funds for such initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Central Tanganyika (DCT) Anglican Church Bishop, Dr Dickson Chilongani, warned of a potential food crisis if the government does not urgently address the shortage of seeds for farmers. Speaking during a Christmas Mass at the Holy Spirit Anglican Church in Dodoma, Dr Chilongani urged citizens to elect leaders capable of solving their challenges.
He also called on the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to adhere to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to avoid forceful tactics, reduce bureaucracy, and eliminate unreasonable taxes. “Let us pray that TRA follows the President’s instructions, refrains from excessive bureaucracy, stops wrongly accusing people of tax evasion, and engages in constructive dialogue rather than using force and threats,” he said.
Additional reporting by Salome Gregory, Rosemary Mirondo, and Hellen Nachilongo (Dar); Sanjito Msafiri (Kibaha); Ananias Khalula (Karagwe); Saddam Sadick (Mbeya); Hamis Mniha (Dodoma) Gregory, Rosemary Mirondo, and Hellen Nachilongo (Dar); Sanjito Msafiri (Kibaha); Ananias Khalula (Karagwe); Saddam Sadick (Mbeya); Hamis Mniha (Dodoma)