TANZANIA: The Catholic Church is the true Church that reflects true Christian faith.
Sarah Pelaji
On 21st September this year, during the inauguration ceremony of the new Auxiliary bishops of the Dar es Salaam Archdiocese Rev. Henry Mchamungu and Rev. Stephano Musomba OSA, Sheikh Alhaj Musa Salum of Dar es Salaam attended the Holy Mass and offered a speech on behalf of other religious leaders (none-Catholic) who attended the Mass.
The mass was held at Msimbazi Centre led by The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Most. Rev. Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi OFM Cap, and was attended by most of the Catholic bishops in the country.
Sheikh Alhaj in his congratulatory greetings to the bishops and the faithful said it is an opportunity for him to participate in the celebration of consecrating of the two auxiliary bishops and a great honor as the chairman of the peace committee of the reconciliation community in Tanzania.
He conveyed the greetings of the Chief Mufti of Tanzania Mufti Abubakar Zubeir urging him to participate in the celebration of the holy mass for it is a good thing.
“I have come here to convey my greetings for what I have learned. The Catholic Church is the true Church that reflects true Christianity. I have learnt the high discipline of the bishops, the high discipline of the faithful during Mass with very deep faith procedures of the Mass and how bishops were consecrated. In deed it shows how holy and true faith exists in the Catholic Church,” he explained.
Sheikh Alhaj Musa also recalled the general meeting of religious leaders held in Whitesands Hotel during the presidency of Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete who insisted that the two religions (Islam and Christianity) must appreciate each other.
“I remember at that meeting of religious leaders in Whitesands: Dr Kikwete gave us the opportunity to appreciate each other and requested Christian leaders to say two things they agree and appreciate with Muslims and Muslims to say two things they agree and appreciate with Christians. The Christians said they are happy to see Muslims performing their five prayers daily and that when they enter the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims are kind, generous and humane,” he narrated.
“We Muslims also came up with two things that we appreciate about Christians: firstly, the provision of social services. Christians are very good at providing education and health services and other social services. For this Christians are much far and better than us Muslims.
Secondly, we are very impressed with the discipline of the Christian community And I have also witnessed this today, “said Sheikh Alhaj Musa.
He is also amazed at how the Bishop of the Catholic Church is appointed for it is a long process.
“I real acknowledge his, because today we have a tragedy and a very big problem of people dreaming at night and then call themselves bishop on the streets. They give this title to themselves. This is a tragedy,” he added.
The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Most. Rev. Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi OFM Cap, said the Church would promote unity and love for all Tanzanians regardless of religion, race or ethnicity.
“The words of Sheikh Alhaj Musa are serious as they bring a strong sense of strength to continue to agree and be tolerant in matters of Faith. Worshiping in a different faith should not cause division among us as Tanzanians. After all, we all worship one God. Sheikh Alhaj’s participation in the Holy Mass is an example and example to us citizens that Tanzanians are one,” said Archbishop Ruwaiçhi.
“In fact, religious diversity should be our strength; political and ideological diversity should not be built on hatred but on the power to challenge economic, political and self-accountability. Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters and everyone should enjoy the presence of each other without judging each other and without creating hatred and animosity. To honor that is also to respect the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania which provides freedom of worship,” he continued.
