Catholic Faithful Petition Vatican Envoy to Investigate Conduct of Fr. Charles Kitima




Dar es Salaam —

Two Catholic faithful in Tanzania, Stanslaus Thobias Nyakunga and Elia Phaustine Kabote, have formally submitted a letter to Archbishop Angelo Accattino, the Vatican Ambassador (Apostolic Nuncio) to Tanzania, requesting a pastoral and administrative investigation into the conduct of Fr. Dr. Charles Kitima, Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC).

According to the petitioners, their action follows long-standing concerns and perceptions circulating within the public that Fr. Kitima has been associated with partisan political matters, particularly allegations of involvement or interference in internal disputes within the opposition party CHADEMA. They claim that similar involvement has not been observed with other political parties.

Nyakunga and Kabote state that these perceptions—whether accurate or not—have begun to create confusion among the faithful and risk placing the Church in a position that could be interpreted as politically biased. They warn that such a situation could undermine the Church’s role as an institution of peace, reconciliation, and moral guidance in society.

In their letter to the Vatican envoy, the faithful emphasize that their intention is neither to pass judgment nor to attack any individual. Rather, they are appealing to Church authorities to address the matter with pastoral wisdom and administrative prudence, in order to safeguard unity among believers and protect the image of the Catholic Church.

They further support their appeal by referencing Holy Scripture, underscoring the responsibility of Church leaders to serve as pillars of peace and reconciliation. They quote the Bible verse, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9), as well as “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). They also cite the Apostle Paul’s warning against divisions among believers (1 Corinthians 1:10).

The move by the two faithful comes at a time when the nation is experiencing heightened political and social debate, during which religious institutions are widely expected to remain anchors of stability, reconciliation, and national cohesion, rather than being perceived as drawn into partisan political conflicts.

In their letter, the faithful request three key actions: the initiation of an investigation into the conduct of Fr. Kitima, the issuance of clear guidance to ensure Church leadership maintains political neutrality, and the adoption of appropriate measures to protect unity among the faithful and uphold the dignity and credibility of the Catholic Church in Tanzania.


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