President Samia Suluhu Accused of Waging War on Christianity in Tanzania After Closing Churches for Condemning Abductions

What began as a Sunday sermon has now sparked national outrage and concern over freedom of religion, speech, and political dissent in Tanzania.

Just one day after Bishop Josephat Gwajima, the influential leader of Glory of Christ Church, took to the pulpit to condemn the recent abductions of political leaders and activists  including Uganda’s Agather Atuhaire and Kenya’s Boniface Mwangi the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan responded swiftly and harshly.

A letter delivered early Monday morning from the Ministry of Home Affairs informed Bishop Gwajima that his church, one of the largest Pentecostal ministries in the country, was officially deregistered, and its activities ordered to cease immediately.

This chilling move has not only targeted Bishop Gwajima as a vocal critic of the regime but has sent shockwaves through the Christian community in Tanzania and beyond.

It raises a dire question: Is this an isolated attack on a political dissenter, or is President Samia’s administration declaring war on Christianity itself?

The Cost of Speaking Truth

During Sunday’s sermon, Bishop Gwajima called for accountability and transparency from the government following the mysterious disappearances and threats against political figures.

“We cannot claim to be a free nation when those who speak truth are silenced in the night,” he said, urging his congregation to stand firm in faith and justice.

His words echoed through packed pews and viral livestreams and evidently, into government ears.

Within 24 hours, the state’s response came in the form of legal jargon and accusations that Gwajima’s preaching was “political” and a threat to national stability, A controversial clause in the Societies Act, which has increasingly been weaponized to suppress opposition voices under the guise of legal order.

A Targeted Attack on Christianity?

While the government insists the closure is due to political activities under a religious cover, many see this as a veiled attempt to intimidate the Christian community particularly those who challenge the regime’s actions.

“This is bigger than Bishop Gwajima,” says Pastor Reuben Mwasiti of Mwanza. “This is about silencing the prophetic voice of the Church. Today it’s Gwajima, tomorrow it could be any of us.”

Indeed, the Church has historically played a vital role in African liberation and democracy movements.

From the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa to the role of churches during Uganda’s brutal regimes, faith leaders have often stood as the final voice of conscience. In Tanzania, however, it appears that voice is now under siege.

A Pattern of Suppression

This is not the first time President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government has clashed with critics. While initially hailed for her softer tone after the death of her predecessor John Magufuli, Samia’s regime has increasingly reverted to authoritarian tactics jailing opposition figures, censoring the press, and now, shutting down churches whose sermons don’t align with the state’s script.

But what makes this moment different is the spiritual dimension.

Christianity, which constitutes over 60% of Tanzania’s population, has long been a cornerstone of civil society and moral guidance. Targeting the church isn’t just political repression it’s a symbolic assault on the nation’s soul.

International Outcry Growing

Already, church leaders from Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria have expressed solidarity with Bishop Gwajima.

Human rights organizations are raising the alarm, calling for international pressure on Tanzania to respect religious freedom.

Boniface Mwangi, the Kenyan activist mentioned in Gwajima’s sermon, tweeted:
“Bishop Gwajima is being punished for standing with the oppressed. Silencing the church is what tyrants do. Stand with him. Stand with truth.”

A Nation at a Crossroads

As legal proceedings begin and appeals are filed, one thing remains clear: this is not just a legal matter. It is a spiritual and moral reckoning for Tanzania.

Will the Church remain silent, fearing deregistration and persecution? Or will this bold attack ignite a new resistance — not of violence, but of conscience, of prayer, and of prophetic truth?

Bishop Gwajima may have lost his church building, but in the hearts of many, his voice has never been louder.

For Tanzanians who believe in justice, faith, and freedom, the pulpit has never been more powerful opror more dangerous.