Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Karagwe Diocese Dr. Benson Bagonza.Photo: Courtesy
Religious Leaders Unite to Combat Distorted Teachings Threatening Tanzanian Society
By Adonis Byemelwa
As the year 2024 draws to a close, one of the most pressing concerns raised by Bishop Dr. Benson Bagonza of the Karagwe Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), revolves around the alarming rise of distorted teachings spreading through religious communities in Tanzania.
Speaking at a recent interfaith seminar held in Karagwe on December 27, Bishop Bagonza did not mince words. He cautioned that such teachings not only mislead but could also grow into outright heresy, threatening the unity and moral fabric of our society.
“These distortions are everywhere,” Bishop Bagonza said. “From Islam to Christianity, we find individuals—some knowingly, others ignorantly—twisting the principles of faith for personal gain.
It’s alarming how some leaders exploit people’s vulnerabilities for financial profit, a practice that damages families, peace, and the welfare of our nation.”
The seminar, organized under the auspices of the Karagwe Diocese with support from Denmark’s Danmission, brought together Christian leaders from the Council of Churches in Tanzania (CCT), Pentecostal representatives, and Muslim clerics.
United in their resolve, they acknowledged the harm caused by such teachings and committed to working collectively to safeguard the spiritual and social well-being of Tanzanians.
Bishop Bagonza highlighted specific examples, including practices where some pastors require brides to engage in questionable rituals before their weddings.
He condemned such actions, calling them both unbiblical and unethical. “These are not mere mistakes; they are violations of human dignity and faith principles,” he said.
The conversation extended beyond one faith or denomination. Leaders shared instances of misguidance within their communities.
“Even within the Lutheran Church, pastors are straying from foundational truths,” Bishop Bagonza admitted. “The same happens among Catholics, Pentecostals, and Muslims. This is not a problem confined to one group; it’s a societal issue.”
He challenged all religious leaders to stand firm against such practices and educate their congregations, stating that it was not the government’s job to police religious teachings but the responsibility of faith communities to uphold their integrity.
Referring to Rwanda’s closure of over 4,000 unregulated churches and mosques, he added, “While I respect their decision, I do not agree that the state should dictate how we deliver our messages. It is up to us to correct ourselves.”
One poignant example of distorted teachings involves pastors selling “miraculous” items, such as salt or cloth, promising divine blessings in return. Bishop Bagonza decried this commercialization of faith as a direct exploitation of people’s suffering.
Pastor Moses Magembe of Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG) echoed this sentiment. Speaking passionately, he urged believers to approach scripture with discernment.
“We must stop misusing the Bible to justify absurd practices. Just because Elijah laid on a child to heal them doesn’t mean pastors today should replicate such acts without understanding the context,” he remarked.
Another troubling trend involves religious leaders forbidding their followers from seeking medical treatment or sending children to school. Bishop Bagonza emphasized that these practices harm society and called on all leaders to expose and oppose such teachings.
The seminar highlighted the importance of interfaith unity in tackling these challenges. Leaders from different religious backgrounds voiced their shared commitment to addressing the issue collaboratively.
“This is not about Christianity versus Islam or one church versus another,” one participant said. “It’s about protecting our communities from those who prey on ignorance and despair.”
Adding to the complexity of distorted teachings is the ongoing debate over Christmas celebrations. Some leaders, such as Bishop Michael Peter Iman of the Biblical Counselling and Intercession Center, (BCIC) denounce Christmas as a pagan holiday.
“Jesus was not born on December 25, and celebrating this date has no biblical foundation,” he argued. However, this stance has sparked internal dissent, with some followers questioning why Easter—another date not explicitly mentioned in the Bible—should be observed while Christmas is rejected.
As the seminar concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to uphold the integrity of their faiths. “Let us not shy away from confronting distorted teachings,” Bishop Bagonza urged. “As leaders, we are called to speak truth boldly and guide our communities with wisdom and compassion.”
As we approach the close of the year, the reflections from Karagwe serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing religious communities. May the coming year bring clarity, unity, and a stronger commitment to the principles that bind us together.
“May your Christmas and the New Year 2025 be filled with peace, joy, and abundant blessings,” shared Rev. Kwerakwiza Rubindamayugi, Director of Christian and Secular Education, in his holiday message to all.
