Tanzania government deregistered a church over 'politically' motivated sermons

DAR ES SALAAM,  Tanzania 

Tanzania government through the office of the Registrar of Civil Societies has deregistered the registration of the Glory of Christ Church effective today, June 2 on provocation.

Bishop Dr. Josephat Gwajima (C)

The order requires cease of the church  activities immediately. 

In the letter addressed to the head of the church,  Bishop Dr. Josephat Gwajima and signed by the Registrar, Emmanuel  Kihampa alleged that Bishop Gwajima was on record delivering contradictory sermons with political motivation in the church.

"It's clear that in recent days through the media and social media, Bishop Josephat Gwajima has been seen in the church delivering politically mortivated sermons with intention to create confusion to the public against the government contrary to the civil society law, chapter 337." The letter read.

It further alleged that such sermons  may endanger the peace and stability of the nation.

However, according to the Registrar; the church has room for appeal to the Minister of Home Affairs through the Secretary-General on the decision under section 19 (1) within 21 days from the date of the letter of closure of the church.

Of late, the Bishop Dr. Gwajima who is a ruling party's member of Parliament has been on the headlines scolding over growing kidnapping and disappearances of government critics. 

The firebrand clergy turned politician questioned the government organ's disability to curb the unlawful disappearances and maintain peace and order in the country. 

His remarks were not well received by the government and ruling party leaders.