VP warns of flashy preachers
ARUSHA: VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Philip Mpango has urged religious leaders to collaborate with the government in firmly opposing and condemning deceitful teachings promoted by some individuals within the religious community, which are aimed at misleading their followers for personal gain.
Dr Mpango said there have been a growing tendency of preachers who accumulate wealth and money through offerings from poor citizens who are trapped in problems.
“Some preachers have been accumulating wealth and money through offerings and selling of various offerings items, with many victims of such preaching being citizens facing various challenges in life,” he said.
The Vice-President called on religious leaders to strongly denounce and refrain from such teachings that do not align with the country’s laws.
Dr Mpango made the appeal at the climax of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the New Life Outreach Church, held at Sakina, Arusha Region. Dr Mpango represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“I urged all leaders to encourage citizens to work hard, diligently, intelligently and patriotically, while seeking God’s blessings on their efforts. We should tell people to avoid relying on miracles, instead they must work hard to make progress in their lives,” Dr Mpango stated.
The VP urged leaders in the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Office of the Registrar of societies to fully enforce the Societies Registration Act and its regulations to ensure that registered institutions, including religious organisations, fulfill their obligations in accordance to their registration goals and conditions.
Furthermore, Dr Mpango observed a significant decline in moral values within society, attributed the bad trend to the reckless use of social media, especially among young people who often mimic negative behaviours that clash with Tanzanian customs and traditions.
He highlighted that the erosion of reverence for God has led to an increase in brutal killings, gender-based violence and abuse against children and women.
Dr Mpango also called on religious leaders and the public to work with the government in tackling the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change.
He emphasised that human life on Earth is increasingly threatened by widespread environmental destruction. Despite numerous national and international efforts to address this issue, progress has been insufficient.
He noted: “Deforestation and excessive tree cutting are evident in various regions of the country, including Arusha.”
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The VP assured that the government will continue to recognise and value the significant contributions of religious institutions in delivering various social services and will uphold and protect the right to worship for all citizens.
On his part, the Evangelist Dr Egon Falk, Founder of the New Life Outreach Church in Tanzania, expressed gratitude to the government for granting permission to preach the gospel for 50 years.
“The church will continue to adhere to the laws and regulations of the country while providing its services,” he said.
