Tanzania: Faith in Flux As ELCT Shakes Up Leadership

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a riveting twist of events, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) has taken decisive action, removing its former Secretary-General, Robert Kitundu, from office.

The unprecedented move unfolded during a high-stakes meeting of the ELCT Central Committee in Arusha, where allegations of misconduct, disrespect towards bishops, and financial impropriety came to a head.

This dramatic development promises to send shockwaves through the religious community, unveiling a saga of scandal and controversy within the esteemed institution.

Kitundu, who had faced accusations since assuming the role two years ago, was ousted on Tuesday after a motion was presented at last Monday's meeting.

The move comes five months after the successful appointment of the church's new chairman, Bishop Dr. Frederick Shoo's preferred candidate, Bishop Abednego Keshomshahara.

The ELCT's general leadership election in August 2023 saw Bishop Dr. Alex Malasusa emerge victorious. Analysts suggest that Bishop Malasusa, overseeing Kitundu's removal, aims to restore unity within the church, which has been entangled in conflicts.

Among the allegations leading to Kitundu's removal are claims of using the church for money laundering. It is alleged that Kitundu received a substantial sum from a government official and distributed it questionably, raising concerns about financial transparency.

The ELCT bishops emphasized that Kitundu's actions did not align with the church's mission, citing his significant donation to transform the church's radio into a television station.

Questions were raised about how someone earning less than five million Tanzanian shillings could afford such a donation.

Before these recent allegations, Kitundu had been accused of supporting a conflict in the Konde Diocese two years ago, leading to the division of the church. Bishop Dr. Edward Mwaikali and thousands of followers left the ELCT to join the Evangelical Church in East Africa (ECEA).

The ELCT's involvement in politics has been scrutinized, with Kitundu accused of proximity to Finance Minister Dr. Mwingulu Nchemba. The church's bishops also express concerns about the applicability of one constitution to all dioceses, given their diverse practices.

As the ELCT grapples with these challenges, including leadership changes and financial controversies, the call for transparency and unity within the religious institution becomes more pronounced.

Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Makala, head of the Southeastern Lake Victoria Diocese, emphasized the need for procedural adherence, stating, "What is causing the conflict in Konde is the procedure used by the church leader to call a meeting outside the established process."

In a move that further intertwines politics and religion, on January 1, 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan made a substantial donation of 150 million Tanzanian shillings towards the construction of Bethel Parish in Nshara Machame, Kilimanjaro Region.

Chadema Chairman Freeman Mbowe, a worshipper at the church, acknowledged the president's contribution during a fundraising ceremony. However, the decision to allocate such a significant amount for a church construction project amid economic challenges raised eyebrows.

Former Chadema Secretary-General, Dr. Wibrod Slaa, questioned the appropriateness of directing substantial funds towards building a church, arguing that in a nation where citizens face difficult lives, a portion could have been allocated to address pressing needs in areas like Moshi, benefiting thousands. He highlighted the public nature of these funds, stressing concerns about their allocation.

The scattered presentation of these funds in a campaign-like manner, reminiscent of President Samia's previous political campaign, has drawn attention.

Banners distributed nationwide echo the style of political campaigning, raising questions about the nature of the donation and its potential political implications.

Dr. Slaa further scrutinized President Samia's New Year's farewell speech, noting its resemblance to a campaign address.

He called on government officials to openly address any disputes arising from the president's actions, opening the door for public debate.

The ELCT, historically entwined with political affairs, faces criticism for its involvement. Analysts accuse Kitundu of being close to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Mwingulu Nchemba, raising concerns about the potential influence of political affiliations within the church.

The consecration ceremony of Archbishop Dr. Malasusa took an unexpected turn as whispers and controversy echoed following his statement affirming that he would never oppose the government, injecting complexity into the delicate intersection of religion and politics.

 However, in a dramatic rebuttal, the archbishop dismissed allegations of government favoritism, emphasizing that he was misinterpreted. He clarified his unwavering commitment to justice and denounced vices while steadfastly upholding freedom of expression.

Archbishop Malasusa's defense aimed to dispel any misconceptions, asserting his dedication to ensuring justice prevails in the country.

Despite his efforts, some dissenting voices within the Diocese remained skeptical, particularly those who vividly recall his 2018 actions.

During that period, the archbishop seemingly betrayed his fellow bishops by opposing their condemnation of former President John Magufuli's perceived despotic leadership.

In 2018, all ELCT dioceses collectively spoke out against the state's rulership, criticizing Magufuli's leadership style.

 However, Archbishop Malasusa deviated from his counterparts, opting not to read the joint statements in his Diocese.

This historical backdrop adds a layer of complexity to the recent controversy, as critics question the archbishop's consistency in navigating the delicate balance between religious leadership and political dynamics.

The clash of interpretations surrounding Archbishop Malasusa's recent statement underlines the challenges of intertwining religious identity with political engagement in a country where the government's actions often come under scrutiny.

As the archbishop strives to clarify his stance and assert his commitment to justice, the unfolding narrative promises to keep both supporters and dissenters on the edge, creating a nuanced and dynamic discourse at the intersection of faith and governance.

Moreover, the ELCT bishops express ongoing concerns about the challenge of applying a single constitution uniformly across all dioceses in a nation embracing secularism and multiparty systems of rulership.

In the intricate tapestry of Tanzanian society, the diverse practices within each diocese, coupled with distinct approaches to worship, highlight the formidable challenges inherent in merging church and politics. This mosaic of traditions becomes particularly pronounced in a nation that wholeheartedly embraces pluralism in governance.

As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) confronts these intricate dynamics, the delicate equilibrium between religious identity and political engagement emerges as a pivotal focal point. The ongoing struggles within the church underscore the inherent difficulties of navigating the intertwined realms of faith and governance.