Clerics mean no harm when they criticise, says ELCT head

Dar es Salaam. The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Fredrick Shoo, yesterday reaffirmed the church’s commitment to supporting investment.

However, he said clerics should not be viewed as harbouring ulterior motives when they disapprove of something.

Dr Shoo, who was speaking in Arusha during celebrations to mark ELCT’s 60th anniversary, said the church will pray and support the government, but will not stop observing, advising and criticising in good faith.

“Criticism should not be seen as mixing religion with politics,” he said during the function attended by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Dr Shoo was speaking about the investment deal signed between Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates, which has faced criticism from some politicians, lawyers, activists and lately the Catholic Church.

Last week, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) said in a statement that it did not support the deployment of a single investor at the Dar es Salaam Port instead of multiple investors, mostly sourced domestically.

Dr Shoo, expressed the church's endorsement of ongoing investment initiatives, while maintaining confidence that the President would ultimately find a solution to the issue.

"Your Excellency, you are aware that religious leaders representing various faiths came to see you at the very beginning. You received us well and we presented our views. You listened to us and promised to forward our opinions to experts for consideration in the broader interests of the nation. We have faith in you,” he said.

Dr Shoo added, "I thank God for granting you wisdom in this matter. As a mother and a leader, your silence does not mean inaction. I say that this matter requires great wisdom and prayer. We will continue to pray for your wisdom in resolving this issue without dividing the people or being used as a tool by those with ulterior motives.”

President Hassan emphasised her decision to remain silent while reflecting on her commitment to preserving the nation's interests and sovereignty.

She said Tanzania's unity, sovereignty, and security will be protected is a reminder of the government's commitment to the nation's best interests.

“What I want to assure you is that there is no one with the strength and power to divide this nation, no one with the strength and power to sell this nation, and no one with the strength and power to disrupt the peace and security we have built,” President Hassan said.

The Head of State added that the government recognises the role of religious leaders that extends beyond the spiritual realm as they are seen as guardians of the nation's moral and ethical fabric.

“The government relies heavily on you to promote, uphold, preserve, and cherish our values," she said.
 

ELCT at 60

The ELCT has 26 dioceses in Tanzania and it was formed on June 19, 1963. However, the first to send Lutheran missionaries can be traced back to 1887.
The Church is also involved in different social and economic projects having 23 Hospitals and more than 140 health centres and dispensaries spread across Tanzania.