THE Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) has declared a seven-day period of national prayer and reflection to mourn victims of post-election violence, as part of efforts to attain peace and healing across the country.

The Rt. Rev. Dr Alex Malasusa, the ELCT presiding bishop, said in a statement released by ELCT head offices in Arusha yesterday that the week of prayer will be observed from 16 to 23 November in all ELCT churches nationwide.

The announcement is a follow up to the tragic circumstances of the October 2025 General Election, marred by violence, loss of life, injuries and destruction of property in many regional capitals in particular.

The statement, “ELCT word regarding the events of the Tanzania General Election Week October 2025,” underlined that the church was deeply grieved by the painful events surrounding the elections, as unprecedented in Tanzania’s history.

 “There is no sufficient reason to justify the loss of life and destruction of property,” he said, lamenting that some families were unable to recover the bodies of their loved ones for proper burial. “This situation has left relatives in immense, unexplainable grief and mourning,” the prelate noted.

The prayer week will involve all church groups, with women’s fellowships interceding for bereaved families, youth groups praying for the injured, men’s groups praying for government leaders and authorities, while choirs and fellowships pray for the security forces and the church itself, the statement explained.

Church communities will also lead prayers for the judiciary, particularly the courts, before all congregations conclude the week with a national thanksgiving service on 23 November, it affirmed,

Beyond prayer, the church has mobilised its professional network to deliver psychological and spiritual support to those affected by the violence, as Bishop Malasusa has directed members of the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) service across ELCT dioceses to provide counselling and emotional care for victims of the polls unrest.

ELCT made a strong appeal to the government to prioritise justice, unity and reconciliation, to listen to and address citizens’ grievances in a way that promotes national unity and social harmony, while doing justice to all citizens who lost their lives or were affected.

The presiding bishop condemned the violence, saying it violated human dignity and the sanctity of life. Those events were an abhorrence to divinity as the use of excessive force cannot bring blessings.

“For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God,” he cited from an epistle, highlighting the Proverb that “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.”

The voting just over two weeks ago sparked unrest in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya and Ruvuma — resulting in multiple casualties and extensive damage to public and private property.

The ELCT extends condolences to all families and communities who lost loved ones or are still searching for missing relatives, reaffirming its commitment to stand with the nation in prayer, peace building and justice, the statement added.