ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has called on religious institutions to intensify public education on the importance of peace, unity and stability, describing them as essential foundations for sustainable development and social well-being.
Dr Mwinyi made the call on Wednesday, when he met the 11th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Zanzibar, the Right Reverend Father Lameck Paul Ndomba, at State House in Zanzibar.
He said peace was vital to building a cohesive society and preventing tensions that could undermine public stability.
He urged religious institutions to use their influence to promote love, mutual understanding and solidarity among citizens, regardless of their differences.
The President also called on religious institutions to cooperate with Zanzibar government in implementing development projects aimed at improving people’s welfare and advancing various sectors of the economy.
He said partnerships between the government and religious institutions were important in addressing social challenges and creating an environment conducive to peaceful coexistence and development.
Dr Mwinyi thanked Bishop Ndomba for his willingness to work with the government, saying such cooperation would strengthen ongoing efforts to promote peace, unity and development across Zanzibar.
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For his part, Bishop Ndomba pledged to work with the government to promote peace and educate the public on the importance of living together in love, mutual respect and harmony.
He said religious institutions had a responsibility to educate their congregations and the wider community on the values of peace, solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
The bishop said he will continue using his position as a religious leader to encourage dialogue, reconciliation and mutual understanding among citizens.
He stressed that peaceful and united communities were better placed to work together to address challenges and implement development initiatives.
Bishop Ndomba also called for stronger relations between religious institutions and the government to create an environment in which citizens could live harmoniously, participate in development activities and safeguard stability for present and future generations.