Shinyanga District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro says the pastor in question is violating ethical religious teachings or is providing misleading teachings that pose a danger to our national security. Photo: Courtesy
Shinyanga DC Mtatiro Orders Crackdown on Unregistered Church Over Safety Concerns
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga, Tanzania – In a decisive move to safeguard public safety, District Commissioner Advocate Julius Mtatiro has ordered the closure of CHURCH OF GOD in Mendo village, Itwangi Division, Shinyanga District, pending a special investigation.
The complaints include children being prevented from going to clinics and denying government-provided vaccinations, the dilapidated state of the worship building posing a life-threatening risk to believers as it has previously tilted on one side, and church leaders assigning names to children while prohibiting congregants from giving them clan names.
In defense, the mother of the deceased newborn admitted to seeking prayers at the church after experiencing labor pains and defying her father’s directive to go to the hospital, insisting that her faith required prayer and refusing medical treatment.
Pastor Andrew Charles Musa of the Church of God denied the allegations when questioned by the public, offering responses that did not satisfy their concerns.
Accompanied by the District Security Committee, Commissioner Mtatiro took action following a shocking incident on June 17, 2024. A congregant, influenced by the church pastor, opted to give birth in the church rather than seek medical care at a clinic. This decision led to the tragic stillbirth of the child after unprofessional birthing methods were used.
“We have identified that the pastor in question is violating ethical religious teachings or is providing misleading teachings that pose a danger to our national security,” Mtatiro stated. Eyewitness accounts provided to the District Commissioner during an urgent visit revealed disturbing practices by the pastor.
The CHURCH OF GOD located in Mendo village, Itwangi Division, Shinyanga District, is closed pending a special investigation. Photo: Courtesy
He encouraged pregnant women to forgo clinical services in favor of his spiritual guidance and advised imminent mothers to deliver in the church instead of at medical facilities. This tragically resulted in a stillbirth on June 17, 2024, after the pastor attempted an unsafe delivery.
Additionally, he discouraged parents from taking their young children to clinics and prohibited congregants from giving traditional clan names to their children, labeling names like Masanja and Ng’wana Mabula as taboo.
Last year, he instructed followers not to plant crops during the November-December 2023 rains, calling them cursed. This led to significant losses for those who followed his advice, while those who planted during these rains enjoyed bountiful harvests.
In a public meeting led by Commissioner Mtatiro, several measures were announced. The church was immediately closed for a thorough investigation. The pastor is barred from returning to Mendo village to ensure an unbiased investigation.
The pastor and his associates involved in the unsafe birthing practices have been questioned and will face legal proceedings. The District Administrative Secretary, Mr. Said Kitinga, has been directed to form a special committee to review the legality of the church’s construction.
Commissioner Mtatiro emphasized, “Tanzania is a secular state, but its people have their religions.” He highlighted his commitment to preventing tragedies similar to those seen in Uganda (Kibwetere) and Kenya (Shakahola) from occurring in Shinyanga.
The district boss issued a stern warning to pastors with dangerous teachings, assuring that the government remains vigilant.
In Tanzania, the registration of religious institutions is regulated by the Societies Act, which mandates that all religious organizations must be registered with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This process involves submitting detailed information about the organization, including its leadership, constitution, and place of worship.
The objective is to ensure that religious institutions operate within the legal framework and adhere to national safety and health standards.
The Ministry of Home Affairs conducts rigorous scrutiny of applications to prevent the establishment of institutions that might propagate harmful practices or pose security threats.
Regular inspections and the power to revoke registration ensure compliance with the law. This regulatory framework aims to maintain harmony and protect the public from potentially hazardous religious teachings.
By closing CHURCH OF GOD and initiating a comprehensive investigation, District Commissioner Mtatiro exemplifies the government’s commitment to enforcing these regulations and safeguarding its citizens.
On Friday, December 23, 2024, spiritual services at The Word of Reconciliation Ministries (WRM) in Kivule-Matembele, Dar es Salaam, were halted, with the police force stepping in to ensure that no activities took place.
The church, under the leadership of Prophet Nicolaus Suguye, has seen its operations suspended for over two weeks, leaving more than 4,000 congregants seeking alternative places of worship.
The closure of CHURCH OF GOD highlights Tanzania’s regulatory framework for religious institutions, requiring registration with the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards. This case demonstrates the consequences of operating outside these regulations, aiming to protect congregants and the community.
Similarly, The Word of Reconciliation Ministries (WRM) in Dar es Salaam faced suspension for operating without full registration, reflecting national efforts to enforce legal standards across religious institutions. The government’s actions aim to prevent unauthorized activities that jeopardize public safety and disrupt social harmony.
According to a recent business report by Cascrapers, Tanzania is home to 926 registered churches, reflecting the diverse religious landscape across the country.
Of these churches, 21 have shared email addresses, indicating a growing trend towards digital communication within religious institutions.
This shift suggests an openness to modern communication methods and efforts to engage congregants through online platforms.
Still, the report highlights that 352 churches have listed phone numbers, making direct communication channels readily accessible for parishioners and community members.
This availability of contact information demonstrates churches’ roles not only in spiritual guidance but also in community outreach and support.
Moreover, 87 of these churches have established websites, showcasing their proactive approach to digital presence and outreach efforts. These websites serve as platforms for sharing sermons, disseminating information, and engaging with both local and global audiences.
The geocoded addresses provided for each church in the report facilitate mapping and location-based services, enhancing accessibility and visibility within their respective communities.
Overall, Cascrapers’ findings reflect the evolving landscape of religious engagement in Tanzania, where churches increasingly utilize digital tools to connect with their congregations and beyond.
This trend towards digital integration underscores broader societal shifts towards technology adoption in religious practice and community outreach efforts.
As investigations into CHURCH OF GOD continue, its closure serves as a reminder of the importance of legal compliance in religious practices. It prompts reflection on balancing spiritual pursuits with community welfare. Tanzania’s efforts are crucial in maintaining a lawful and harmonious society and respecting religious freedoms within established legal boundaries.
