In the statement dated June 19, which Bishop Simon Chibuga Masondole of the Catholic Diocese of Bunda, who doubles as the Chairman of the Liturgy Commission for TEC signed, the Catholic Church leaders emphasize the need to intercede for justice and peace.
“The specific intention is to pray for our nation, Tanzania, that it may remain rooted in justice and peace as we approach the General Elections of 2025,” they emphasize.
Tanzania’s general elections have been scheduled for October 28. The ruling is expected to retain power following the election management body’s decision to bar the main opposition from participating in the polls.
According to an April 13 BBC News report, the Independent Electoral Commission disqualified Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), also known as the Party for Democracy and Progress, citing the party’s failure to sign a mandatory electoral code of conduct and the arrest of CHADEMA's leader on allegations of treason.
Meanwhile, TEC members have, in a separate statement, denounced what they describe as a “developing habit of introducing numerous announcements and lengthy speeches into various liturgical celebrations.”
The Tanzania Catholic Bishops warn that if left to continue, the habit “will diminish the reverence” the people of God in Tanzania are expected to offer “to the greatness of the Liturgy before” God.
“The holiness and dignity of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is held in the highest regard in the Christian faith. Every day, Holy Mother Church, through her Liturgy, calls and invites us to live this encounter between God and His people with great reverence and solemnity (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium 14),” they say.
TEC members continue, “It is in this context that the 109th Plenary Assembly of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), held in Kurasini–Dar es Salaam from June 16–19, 2025, has directed improvements to the celebrations related to Holy Orders, Religious Profession, Marriage, Jubilees, and Christian funerals, especially when the entire community of God's people gathers.”
From now on, TEC members direct, “Mass will begin immediately without sitting to listen to an introduction or explanation regarding the celebration or the related event.”
“If there is a need for catechesis about the specific celebration, it should be given before the entrance procession of the Holy Mass,” the TEC members clarify, adding that the celebration of Holy Mass “shall follow the prescribed order of rites and rubrics, as directed by liturgical norms.”
