Clergy, Religious, Seminarians Cautioned against Partisan Politics Ahead of Tanzania’s October 29 General Elections

The Tanzania-born member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (O.F.M. Cap.) also warned Church leaders and those in formation against deceptive politicians who exploit Church spaces for their own selfish political interests.

He said, "When politicians come to Church houses or Convents to manipulate and entice, that is a sin; it should not happen." 

“No one should trick another person into something they do not understand; you take a novice, or a member of the Clergy who does not even listen to news on the radio, and then you indoctrinate him; that is a sin and a serious offense,” Bishop Pisa said, referring to politicians who take advantage of Church spaces for political gain.

In his September 25 homily, the Local Ordinary of Lindi Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in June 2022 encouraged the electorate in Tanzania to exercise their right to vote responsibly and with a clear conscience.

He said, “The day of campaigning is known, and the voting day is known; if you are a supporter, then cast your vote on that day. But remember this: before you go, examine your conscience.”

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On examining the conscience, Bishop Pisa said, “First, have enough knowledge of what you are about to do. Listen to your conscience and ask yourself, ‘In this matter, what is true, and what is just?’”

He emphasized the importance of prayer and the Word of God as means for keeping one’s conscience clear and upright ahead of making a decision, especially during critical moments such as general elections.

He appealed, “Read the Word of God for guidance, review the Commandments of God, and pray over it. Examine your conscience before making your decision.”

The Tanzanian Catholic Church leader reflected on the significance of St. Paul’s Major Seminary centenary Jubilee, describing it as “a year of seeking reconciliation and God’s mercy.”

He said, “We ask for God’s mercy for what the Church did not do well in these hundred years here in Kipalapala, where we did not proclaim the Gospel with zeal in the past hundred years, and where we allowed even defilement to creep into the Church.”

Bishop Pisa further reflected on the legacy of the Catholic Church institution, which members of the Missionaries of Africa (MAfr/White Fathers) established in 1923 at Untinta near Lake Tanganyika and later relocated to Kipalapala in 1925. He said, “This is also part of the history of the whole Church in Tanzania, because many began their journey here.”

Nicholas Waigwa is a Kenyan multimedia journalist and broadcast technician with a professional background in creating engaging news stories and broadcasting content across multiple media platforms. He is passionate about the media apostolate and Catholic Church communication.