As the neighbouring country of Tanzania readies itself towards the October 29 2025 presidential elections, the country’s Catholic bishops have drawn a sharp boundary between the pulpit and the political podium.
Speaking during the centenary of St. Paul the Apostle Major Seminary in Tabora, Bishop Wolfgang Pisa of Lindi reminded priests, religious sisters, brothers, and seminarians that their vocation does not include wearing party colours or cheering from campaign grounds.
“It is a betrayal of your spiritual calling to be seen in political regalia or at rallies,” Bishop Pisa warned, underscoring the Church’s commitment to neutrality.
Pushback Against Political Exploitation
The bishops’ caution comes amid growing concern over politicians increasingly targeting churches, convents, and seminaries as soft entry points into communities of faith. Some politicians, Bishop Pisa said, deliberately exploit novices and religious sisters who may not even follow the news to project false endorsements.
“This kind of manipulation is not only unethical but also an insult to the conscience of those who dedicate themselves to prayer and service,” he noted.
Call to the Faithful
While barring clergy from partisan politics, Bishop Pisa turned his attention to Catholic voters. He urged them to go beyond party slogans and campaign noise, insisting that choices at the ballot must be guided by conscience, justice, and truth.
By drawing this line, the Church hopes to shield its clergy from political entanglement while encouraging lay Catholics to take full ownership of their democratic responsibility.
