TANZANIA: Vatican Ambassador; I Acknowledges Strong Ecumenism, Interfaith and Cooperation between the Catholic Church and Government in Tanzania.
Archbishop Angelo Accattino, Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania
Sarah Pelaji
The Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania, Archbishop Angelo Accattino, has acknowledged a powerful ecumenism, interfaith and good relationship between the Catholic Church and the government in Tanzania.
He said it On March 19th, 2023 in the solemnity of Saint Joseph Husband of Virgin Mary when Bishop-elect Vincent Mwagala was consecrated and installed as the First Bishop of Mafinga Catholic Diocese.
He said it was impressive to see different religious leaders from Christian Churches and other faiths attending the event at Mafinga.
“I have not seen it here in Mafinga but in other different Catholic events mostly you invite them. This shows the maturity of religious dialogue and understanding of one another.
Ecumenism and interfaith work for the unity and renewal of the Christian denominations and other faith offer them a forum in which they may work together in the spirit of tolerance and mutual understanding. I am much impressed,” he said.
In addition, he was also pleased with the cooperation of the Catholic Church and government in Tanzania for they have been participating in various Catholic events even in other national dialogues concerning human dignity in the countries.
“Today, government leaders led by the Deputy Prime Minister of the United republic of Tanzania and Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko have participated in large numbers and it is an honor for the Catholic Church.
We have recently witnessed the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan, visiting the Vatican and holding talks with Pope Francis. This cooperation improves dignity, peace and justice in the nation of Tanzania.
“It shows maturity, unity and peace between different religions and government Tanzania. This is a very good thing,” said the Ambassador of the Vatican.
He congratulated the faithful of Mafinga Catholic Diocese for having their new diocese and a new bishop.
He said that their large number in the celebration is an indicator that they are ready to receive a new bishop and become dependent diocese. However, he acknowledged that Mafinga is blessed with good natural resources, especially natural forests so they should use that wealth to protect the environment.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Hon. Dr. Doto Biteko represented the President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Consecration and Installation Ceremony of the New Bishop of the new Mafinga Rt. Rev. Vincent Mwagala.
He explained that President Samia continues to provide all kinds of cooperation to the Catholic Church and other Faith to bring development to Tanzanians.
He said, the intention of the President, Dr. Samia is to see that citizens get better services in various fields including clinics, roads, water, schools and reliable electricity, so in order to implement this issue effectively, the government cooperates with private institutions including various denominations in bringing development to the people.
Dr. Biteko emphasized on the care of the environment and warned that whoever destroys the environment must be seen as an enemy and action should be taken.
Dr. Biteko has called on religious leaders and Tanzanians to pray for President Samia to continue to lead the country effectively in good health and also to pray for the country to continue to be a safe place to live.
The various government leaders who attended the ceremony included the Regional Commissioner of Iringa, Peter Serukamba, Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon. David Kihenzile and retired Speaker, Mama Anna Makinda.
