Dar es Salaam – The influential Catholic Church in Tanzania has forbidden its clergy, including priests and nuns, from engaging in any form of political campaigning, calling such actions a “great sin” and a “defilement of the Church.”
The directive was issued by the President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Archbishop Wolfgang Pisa, during a mass on Thursday, September 25, 2025, to mark the centenary of the Kipalapala Major Seminary in Tabora.
The warning comes as Tanzania prepares for what critics describe as a questionable multiparty election, with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party facing minimal electoral competition after what critics describe as systematic exclusion of major opposition candidates.
“It is forbidden for a priest, it is forbidden for a nun, it is forbidden for you seminarians, to be seen in political campaigns,” Archbishop Pisa stated emphatically. “A great prohibition. We are not supposed to be seen there.”
The Archbishop’s strong admonition follows an incident where several Catholic nuns were seen at a campaign rally for President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Mtwara region, publicly endorsing her re-election bid.
READ MORE: Can Tanzania Deliver a Credible Election?
Sister Maria Theonestina Nambunga, of the Benedictine Sisters of Africa of the Virgin Mary Helper of Christians in Ndanda, Mtwara region, told journalists that she attended the campaign meeting to support President Samia and pray for her victory in the October general election.
“We should give courage to our fellow woman, President Samia, a strong leader and loving mother, who protects peace and allows us to worship, so she can lead for another five years,” Sister Maria Theonestina said.
Another nun, Sister Maria Sigfrida Chialo stated that she attended the rally to support the President, declaring that she and others stand “shoulder to shoulder” with her because they have appreciated the sincere love she has shown through her actions since taking office.
Rule violations
However, Archbishop Pisa made clear that such actions violate Church regulations, which strictly prohibit clergy from identifying with any political party.
“Church law clearly prohibits priests and nuns from participating in political campaigns or showing support for any political party,” he stated emphatically. “Nor should they identify themselves with any party by displaying any symbols or signs of any particular political party or any indication whatsoever.”
He extended the ban to include wearing political attire: “It is forbidden for you seminarians also to wear t-shirts, or caps, of any political party even during games. Forbidden even to sleep with it at night, even if the candidate is your brother. Do not bring defilement to the church. It’s forbidden.”
In his address, Archbishop Pisa condemned the actions of those who manipulate church officials to engage in politics, describing it as a “great sin.” He warned against the “indoctrination” of clergy who may not be fully aware of the political landscape, stating that it is wrong to deceive and manipulate them.
“It is not right to deceive someone about something they do not understand, you take hold of a novice, you take hold of a nun who doesn’t even listen to the radio, doesn’t read the news, you just grab them, then you give them orders, indoctrinate them, that is a sin and a serious mistake, forbidden,” Archbishop Pisa emphasized further.
The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in Tanzania, with over 23 million followers, accounting for approximately 30 per cent of the population. The Church plays a significant role in the country’s social fabric, operating numerous schools, hospitals, and other social services.
Growing concerns
The TEC’s directive comes amid growing concerns about the credibility of Tanzania’s upcoming election, with the ruling CCM dominating the race in what critics describe as “large-scale disqualification of opposition candidates, intimidation, and systematic exclusion.”
The main opposition party, CHADEMA, for instance, has been excluded from the process, and its leader, Tundu Lissu, remains in custody as his treason trial continues.
Furthermore, ACT Wazalendo’s would-be presidential candidate, Luhaga Joelson Mpina, was disqualified even after a court ordered the electoral commission to nominate him.
In his address on Thursday, Archbishop Pisa clarified that while the Church must remain politically neutral, this does not strip individuals of their voting rights. He advised, however, that voters must first evaluate their conscience.
“But conscience can be misguided, unless you have sufficient understanding,” he noted, suggesting that moralist priests are best equipped to provide the necessary guidance on such matters.
