The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Paul Dotto
8 July 2009
Auxiliary Bishop Method Kilaini of the Dar es Salaam Roman Catholic Archdiocese has said the church has no problem with the establishment of kadhi's courts provided that they are formed and run according to the Constitution.
"I am happy that the two sides (the Government and Muslim leaders) are making good progress in their discussions to facilitate the establishment of the courts. Our concern is only that the courts should not interfere with provisions in our constitution and other laws," he said.
On Monday this week, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda sought audience with Muslim leaders under Mufti Issa Shaaban Simba and talked on the establishment of the courts. The meting resolved to form a committee to devise a way of establishing the courts.
Bishop Kilaini was briefing journalists in Dar es Salaam after the ordination of three priests by Polycarp Cardinal Pengo yesterday. "I am not a Muslim but I am not against Islam and its ways," he said.
He said Muslims themselves would propose better ways of forming and running the courts. He condemned "misleading reports" that the Catholic Church was against the establishment of kadhi's courts.
"The Catholic Church in Tanzania has nowhere said that it is against the kadhi's courts. The concern is only that if introduced, they should not, in anyway affect the country's laws," he said.
He also defended the bishops' apostolic letter to the people on the civic education towards the 2010 General Election. He said the letter had no political motive as many people were thinking.
"I think many people are against our letter because they are corrupt and our message is advocating the fight against corruption and calling on voters not to elect corrupt leaders. Therefore, they think that we are targeting them," he said.
At yesterday's event, Cardinal Pengo who ordained to priesthood deacons Joseph Mapunda, Hendrick Mambwe and Joseph Mkonde urged Christians to adhere to good deeds in return to God's blessings of life to them.
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