THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TANZANIA CELEBRATES 50 ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE

Early this week, the Episcopal Conference in Tanzania held a thanksgiving Mass for the 50^th Anniversary of national independence. The Holy Mass was presided by the chairman of the Episcopal Conference Right Reverend Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Ruwaich at St. Joseph’s cathedral in Dar es salaam. It was attended by His Eminence Cardinal Pengo, 15 Bishops, 30 priests as well as the faithful. The thanksgiving mass had as an intention to pray for the country’s unity, solidarity, justice and peace in the years ahead. It was a moment for the church in Tanzania to reflect and evaluate the 50 years of independence; where they came from, where they are and where they are likely to end to, if the present political and economic situation is not well considered.

Commenting on the 50 years of independence, the chairman of the Episcopal Conference related on  the present political and economic condition in the country which is characterised by conflicts among political parties, greed, embezzlement of national resources, and corruption which invoke resentment and chaos to the masses. The archbishop Ruwaich pointed out that the situation has led to creation of classes in the country: the rich go on piling riches on themselves at the expense of the poor, who are the majority. It is a pity that, today in Tanzania, a country known for peace and harmony, albinos have become a source of richness for the rich minority. This exposes the lost sense of direction, religion, humanity and morals among Tanzanians. For him there is no future for Tanzanians without the sense of God, justice, morals and equity for all - true democracy!

Along side the 50^th anniversary for national independence, the Church in Tanzania is still vigilant in prayer for the beatification of the servant of God Mwl. J. K. Nyerere, the father and founder of the nation. One of the prerequisite to beatification is the assent of the society he belongs to. But the political and economic condition in the country reveals to the contrary. The sense of justice and equity; honest and trust, unity and solidarity (brotherhood – Ujamaa) promulgated by the Father of the nation Mwl. Julius Nyerere for 25 years of his leadership is long forgotten and a darkening past. Political and religious conflicts, the ever widening gap between the haves and the have not, the critical life of the majority of Tanzanians who are economically frustrated prove it difficult for a country seeking for the beatification of her son and founder. But for a house to stand, there must be a strong foundation!