Pews filled to the brim as Sunday service gathers several hundred congregants in the Moshi Lutheran Cathedral, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania’s northern diocese. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert
Church condemns violence, calls for accountability during week of prayer across the country
(LWI) – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) has issued a call for prayer, repentance, and justice following riots after the country's 29 October general elections that left an unconfirmed number of citizens dead, injured, and missing.
In a statement issued by Presiding Bishop Dr. Alex Gehaz Malasusa, the ELCT expressed deep pain over riots that caused loss of life, disabilities, and destruction of property. The church noted that some families still cannot recover the bodies of loved ones killed during the unrest.
"The ELCT is saddened and distressed by these acts that lacked humanity, dignity, and respect for human life," the statement reads, extending condolences to bereaved families and calling for accountability.
The church is mobilizing congregations across the country for a week of prayer from 16 to 23 November, with daily intercessions led by different groups: women will pray for grieving families, youth for the injured, and men for government leaders. The church also calls on the government "to listen to and address citizens’ grievances in ways that promote national unity and social cohesion", reminding that "excessive use of force by anyone cannot bring blessings."
The prayers and support of Lutherans across the world are with you
LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) joins the ELCT in prayer for Tanzania and affirms the church's commitment to justice, peace, and the sanctity of human life.
“We encourage the ELCT to continue with its ministries and programs that foster justice and support the most vulnerable in society, who are often most affected by situations like the one you face right now,” said LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt, in a pastoral letter sent to the ELCT presiding bishop.
“I pray that God will be close to you, the ELCT and all the people of Tanzania,” added General Secretary Burghardt. “Know that you are not alone. The prayers and support of Lutherans across the world are with you. May you find comfort and strength in the unity and compassion shared among us all.”
