TANZANIA: Bishop Shao Mark’s Episcopal Silver Jubilee, Asks Government to Consider Christians on Land Issues
Rt Rev Augustino Shao of Zanzibar, Tanzania with the president, together with other bishops
By Pascal Mwanache, TEC
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Zanzibar Rt. Rev. Augustino Shao has celebrated the silver jubilee of his episcopate (1997-2022), in celebration of the Holy Mass held at the Abeid Amani Karume National Stadium an event which was graced by the President of Zanzibar Dr. Hussein Ally Mwinyi.
Expressing his gratitude at the ceremony, Bishop Shao appealed to President Mwinyi that when the government surveys residential plots it should also consider the Christian denominations, saying that Christians do not seem to have the right to own land in Zanzibar.
“The issue of land ownership in Zanzibar has become difficult. Often we Christians from all denominations seem to have no right to own land. Land disputes and land grabbing are rampant, and much of that is towards Christianity. It is a perception that a person who is originally from the Tanzania mainland and is called by Christian names such as John, Mary or Agatha is that he/she has no right to own land,” he said.
Bishop Shao also added: “And they think that when Christians own land they are building churches. The Catholic Church has 11 parishes now, 20 sub-parishes and other denominations are the same, churches are being built by Church institutions not individuals and family. Our request today is that when your land ministry surveys residential plots, they have to consider various religious denominations”.
Along with this request Bishop Shao also used the opportunity to thank God, but also his family, teachers and guardians especially Missionaries of the Holy Spirit for the entire period of his formation as a student and also as a missionary.
On his side, the President of Zanzibar Dr. Hussein Ally Mwinyi congratulated Bishop Shao on his silver jubilee saying that it is clear that in the period of 25 years the diocese has been able to make great strides under the leadership of Bishop Shao.
“One of the important contributions of His Lordship Bishop Augustino Shao is to preach peace to all believers and citizens. He has preached it and emphasized it by recognizing that peace has no alternative. Without peace there is no sustainable development. And I take this opportunity to urge my fellow citizens to continue to maintain the peace we have and to develop a culture of tolerance among people of different religious beliefs,” he said.
He also promised Bishop Shao that his government would continue to take steps to address the issues raised, especially the issue of land ownership.
“The government will continue to take steps to address these challenges as far as possible. Brethren, the challenges mentioned here are many but I want to assure you that my government will work with you to overcome these challenges. The government believes that in order to be at peace we must be fair to all. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly so we will make sure we address these challenges as soon as possible so that you can get your rights and implement what you have planned in recent days,” he added.
Also, Bishop Shao received the message and greetings of good wishes from Pope Francis who among other things commended Bishop Shao for his glorious service and for strengthening the dialogue with various religions in the Diocese of Zanzibar.
“Our dear brother Augustino Shao, Bishop of the Diocese of Zanzibar, on the occasion of the silver jubilee of your episcopate, we congratulate you with a heart of joy especially for the glorious mission you are doing for your people here in Zanzibar. And in an effort to promote dialogue between the various religious denominations through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and your patron St. Augustine we wish you apostolic blessings and heavenly blessings, for you and for the community,” the pope said.
On his part, the Deputy Mufti of Zanzibar Mahmoud Mussa Wadi, who represented the Mufti of Zanzibar, said that Bishop Shao’s jubilee event was historic for joining the Christians in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Bishop Augustino Shao.
“There is no doubt that Bishop Shao benefits more and more people and other creatures for 25 years of his service. He has benefited many who are not even Christians in our country and in other countries in the world. Here in Zanzibar we have a national peace committee that always works where needed and especially when there are indicators of a breakdown of peace in Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole.
This committee has done a great job especially in 1995 and 2020 pre and post elections by promoting peace and stability in our country. The chairman of the committee is the Mufti of Zanzibar and his deputy is Bishop Augustino Shao. Bishop Shao has good manners, he is gentle, wise and prudent which help him carry out his duties well,” he said.
The Jubilee was held on May 10, 2022 and was also attended by bishops from various dioceses, priests, believers and various religious, political and governmental leaders.
