Tanzania: Minister Bernard Membe Hails the Catholic Church

The Tanzania Daily News reports that the country’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mr Bernard Membe has commended the Catholic Church for preaching through sermons and prayers, particularly on the issue of religious tolerance among followers of different faiths.

Mr Membe was speaking during celebrations to mark the first anniversary since the election of Pope Francis on May 19 at the Vatican.

The occasion was held at the residence of the Vatican's Ambassador to Tanzania in Dar es salaam and was also attended by former president Benjamin Mkapa, the Catholic Bishops from various parts of the country, envoys and other invited guests.

Mr Membe said that the government has vowed to ensure public safety and security in the country and to maintain peace and harmony that prevails at any cost.

"There can never be peace where there is no freedom of worship, a freedom which is enshrined in our constitution. "The government is aware of the church's contribution in advocating for peace by preaching on the importance for Tanzanians to be forgiving and respect one another despite their differences in religious beliefs," he said.

He reminded guests at the occasion that Pope Francis stressed on the importance of peace, love and responsibility to respect the rights of poor people during his inaugural speech at the Vatican. "The pope is for the protection of the rights of poor people and those with special needs. He has been instrumental in telling people in positions of power to use their influence to bolster peace, spread love and protect the poor and to see the need for dialogue in ending conflicts," he said.

Mr. Membe also observed that the pope has been leading by example by practicing what he preaches and recently visited troubled areas of Palestine and Israel.  During the visit, the Pope held talks with followers of different faiths and invited the Palestine and Israel leaders to the Vatican for prayers that would help farther dialogue.