MWE Correspondent
Minister for Minerals Anthony Peter Mavunde has commended religious leaders for their continued efforts to promote peace, unity and development across Tanzania.
Mavunde made the remarks on August 30, 2026, in Arusha during a special church service and fundraising event held to support the construction of the Anglican Church’s St. James Parish in Kaloleni.
He said religious leaders have an important role to play in educating and encouraging citizens to protect the peace that remains a key foundation for national development.
“Our national leaders, led by our President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, have continued to emphasize the importance of protecting peace within our nation in order to build a strong society,” Mavunde said.
He urged religious leaders to use their influence to encourage Tanzanians to safeguard peace, describing it as a critical catalyst for social and economic development.
“Religious leaders have a major role to play in advising citizens to maintain peace, which is a key foundation and catalyst for development in any society,” he added.
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Mavunde further emphasized that maintaining peace should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of political or religious leaders, but as a collective responsibility of every citizen.
He called on Tanzanians to make peace a priority in their communities rather than waiting to be reminded by leaders, saying a peaceful society creates the conditions necessary for sustainable development that can benefit present and future generations.
During the event, the church’s representative, Doroth Njawa, presented a statement outlining the history and development of St. James Parish.
Njawa said the church was established in 1954 and initially had the capacity to accommodate only about 300 worshippers. The ongoing reconstruction project is expected to significantly expand the church’s capacity, allowing more than 1,600 worshippers to be seated once completed.
She said the project is aimed at strengthening the church’s pastoral and community services while creating a stronger platform for building a united and morally responsible society.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro, Bishop Dr. Stanley Hotay, expressed appreciation to the government for its continued cooperation with the Anglican Church in efforts aimed at strengthening communities and promoting positive moral values.
He said the partnership between the government and religious institutions remains important in building a stable society whose values contribute to Tanzania’s broader social and economic development.
