Malasusa lauds Lowassa family's decision to keep coffin closed

Dar es Salaam. Bishop Alex Malasusa of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) has praised the family of former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa for their decision to keep the casket closed during his farewell service.

He lauded it as a practice other families should consider, emphasising the importance of respecting the deceased's privacy and focusing on their life rather than their physical appearance.

Speaking today during the farewell service for the leader held at the Azania Front church, Bishop Malasusa remarked: "There is no need to open the coffin so that people can view the departed person; if we see each other while we are living, it is enough; don't wait till he is dead to know how he is.

"I congratulate the family for this decision and it is a procedure that should be taken even by other families. You should not have to open the coffin; I believe they have been able to because they are religious people," he went on to say.

Bishop Malasusa has also used the occasion to encourage others, particularly political leaders, to be close to God, as Lowassa led a life of worship.

"I am glad with the many testimonies that Edward enjoyed to worship; whenever he was healthy, he never failed to come to church," he said.

The bishop continued: "The awareness that one must maintain a close relationship with God is the essence of worship; a leader who does this understands why God has given him followers. I implore you to consider leading a life of worship and to beg God to make you a wonderful leader." 

Pastors have received a directive from the head of the KKKT church not to accept anyone who does not wish to participate in worship while they are still living.

"We lead worship with pure hearts today because he loved worship; don't bring the bodies of those who didn't enjoy it. Pastors, I implore you not to bring the bodies of those who refused to attend church, just because, being deceased, they are unable to defend themselves.

Additionally, Fred Lowassa, the son of Lowassa, attested to his father's love of worship and the culture he acquired from them.

"My father, whenever he was strong, used to come to church and he has taught us that discipline. If we wake up and have not come to church, he always looks after us. It is a discipline that we have built as a family; he always insisted on going to church; he was a man of worship; he has taught us and left that to us. 

He added: "Pastors and religious leaders have been with us throughout my father's illness; we are grateful that the church was with us all the time, and we ask you not to leave us.”