LEADERS of the Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG) denomination have saluted the government for upholding peace, unity, stability and freedom of worship in the country, a unique asset that has enabled TAG and other churches to make significant development strides.

Archbishop Dr Barnabas Mtokambali, the chairman of the Council of Pentecostal Churches of Tanzania (CPCT) and head of TAG, made the remarks in the presence of Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa , at a vast ceremony to mark  85 years of the TAG.

The event brought together vast numbers of worshippers along with large groups of visitors at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, where the Pentecostal church leader said that apart from its religious role, the church provides vital social services and promotes upright moral values among its followers and the society at large.

He explained that TAG initiatives include setting up primary and secondary schools, two teacher training colleges, 21 orphanages, 89 childcare centres and five technical colleges.

The church has an expanded network fielding 5,918 parishes and has fulltime 2,008 employees in religious service, with administrative districts growing from 557 to 860 nationwide in, the past few years.

Former Benin President Thomas Boni Yayi, parliamentarians, foreign missionaries, church leaders from 13 African and Asian countries were present, as well as 60 leaders of foreign Pentecostal churches, 10 faith elders and numerous pastors from various regions and TAG partners.

In his remarks, the premier vowed to reinforce engagement with religious leaders in promoting peace, stability for the country’s socio-economic development.

He praised religious leaders and institutions for their vital role in ensuring that communities are safe and peaceful, as a key part of the country’s stability and development.

Their contribution to peace and unity is unwavering and commendable, he declared, underlining that the government appreciates the role of religious institutions in promoting moral values, fighting evils and combating moral decay. 

“We have consistently collaborated with religious institutions, particularly in social campaigns to educate and inspire good morals and conduct among communities.”

He praised TAG for its initiatives in nurturing children's spiritual growth and commitment to understanding and upholding such teachings, applauding the church’s role in fostering unity, promoting spiritual and social cohesion and engaging in charitable activities, 

Pointing at education, healthcare and community development efforts, he said such activities “contribute to our societal solidarity and strengthens peace and security.”

 he added.

The TAG leader urged members to envision sustaining the church’s impact for another 85 years, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in advancing that vision, hailing President Samia Suluhu Hassan for efforts to advance the country, particularly in infrastructure development.

He especially praised the high-speed electric train service already available from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro. It will significantly reduce travel time to Dodoma where TAG has located its headquarters, he added