By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: In a momentous ceremony on 21st January 2024 at the Azania Front Cathedral, Bishop Alex Malasusa officially assumed the role of the head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), succeeding Bishop Fredrick Shoo.
The inauguration, attended by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, took an unexpected turn as it became a platform for addressing controversies and challenges within the church.
Dr. Christian Samraj, Bishop of the New Jerusalem India Lutheran Church, delivered a compelling sermon, urging Bishop Malasusa to be a just leader in the face of global challenges.
“In this world full of challenges, Bishop Malasusa, you are called upon to confront and address them, utilizing the authority bestowed upon you by God,” emphasized Dr. Samraj.
During the ceremony, the message was clear – Bishop Malasusa is tasked not only with leading but also with bringing about positive change.
Drawing inspiration from the Bible, the sermon referenced John 15:16, emphasizing the enduring impact Bishop Malasusa is expected to have in his leadership role.
As Bishop Fredrick Shoo presided over the installation proceedings, he expressed confidence in Bishop Malasusa’s ability to fulfill his responsibilities, outlining the duties enshrined in the ELCT constitution.
“When we voted for you at Makumira, Dr. Malasusa, to be the new leader of the church, you will have the duty to execute your responsibilities as outlined in Article 12, Section A of the church’s constitution,” stated Bishop Shoo.
The inauguration sermon drew inspiration from the Bible, specifically John 15:16, which states, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”
Various bishops took turns at the altar to read and share words, contributing to the solemnity of the occasion. Bishop Shoo assured that he leaves the church in capable hands and is now committed to serving his diocese more closely.
However, criticisms surfaced regarding the legality of Bishop Malasusa’s re-election, with questions raised about the constitutional provisions for a bishop previously holding a similar position.
The controversy surrounding Bishop Malasusa deepened as critics questioned the support he seemingly enjoys from the government. Social media discussions pointed to his previous actions, including the decision not to read a circular opposing the government during a prior church assembly.
On a lighter note, the election process leading to Bishop Malasusa’s re-election stirred additional debates. The ELCT Constitution’s Article 21, revised in 2015, was brought into focus, revealing that retired bishops are not eligible for election as presiding bishops.
Moreover, the constitution mandates that a potential candidate must hold the position of a bishop in their diocese and be below the retirement age of 65.
The challenges within the ELCT became more evident as social media posts by Bishop Benson Bagonza expressed dissatisfaction with the election process, questioning its fairness and claiming a lack of forgiveness within the church. Bagonza’s history of standing against the government and supporting the opposition further fueled tensions.
The conflict within the ELCT extended to disagreements over the Konde Diocese and the suspension of bishops Bagonza and Ambele Mwaipopo, which some critics argued lacked constitutional basis. The unresolved legal discussions surrounding the autonomy of individual dioceses added another layer of complexity.
In the midst of these challenges, Bishop Malasusa faced opposition from various quarters, including Bishop Bagonza, who openly criticized him on social media. The election process itself, marked by multiple rounds of voting, showcased internal divisions and raised questions about the unity of the ELCT.
As congratulatory messages poured in for Bishop Malasusa, tensions persisted, and concerns about the church’s unity remained at the forefront.
The proposed ELCT constitution referendum, if implemented, could further polarize the congregation, with debates on changes to the church’s structure and governance.
The ELCT, celebrating its 60th anniversary, finds itself at a critical juncture. The swearing-in of Bishop Malasusa, though symbolizing continuity, is shadowed by controversies, internal conflicts, and calls for constitutional reforms.
The challenges ahead are immense, requiring not only leadership but also a concerted effort to reconcile the diverse voices within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.
The distinguished event was graced by several government officials, including the Speaker of the Tanzanian Parliament and President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Dr. Tulia Ackson, the Secretary-General of the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, the Chief Justice of Tanzania, Prof. Ibrahim Juma, as well as ministers and leaders from various political parties and churches.
