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Bishop Bernardin of the Diocese of Kendoa in Tanzania brings his perspective of ethnic harmony to the 19th Plenary Assembly of the AMECEA
By S. Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp
Mgr Bernardin Francis Mfumbusa appreciates the theme chosen for the 19th Plenary Assembly for the Association of Episcopal Conferences Members in East Africa: Vibrant Diversity, Equal Dignity, Peaceful Unity in God in the AMECEA Region [19659004] Challenges of Diversity in East Africa
He explained in an interview with P. Paul Samasumo, "There are many problems of diversity". The Plenary Assembly brings together the Bishops of 9 countries, representing more than 200 ethnic groups. "It shows that it can work," said Bishop Mfumbusa
. The bishop considers linguistic differences as the greatest source of diversity that the Church faces in East Africa. Then "there are very big differences between the different ethnic groups, which is why sometimes harmony is not possible", he said, adding that the bishops and d & # 39; Other organizations are trying to "overcome" this problem.
Unity is possible
Echoing the message under discussion in the Plenary Assembly, Bishop Mfumbusa, "Unity is possible if we have the will," with regard to the politicians who foment diversity. "If we send the message that we as Catholics can work together with other ecumenical groups, with our Muslim brethren, I think politicians will understand the message," he said.
] 90% of the population of the Diocese of Kondoa in Tanzania, Bishop of Mfumbusa, are Muslims who were there before the arrival of Christianity. Bishop Mfumbusa said the first Christian missionaries received land from Muslim residents. Although tensions began to increase after the independence of Tanzania in 1961, Bishop Mfumbusa said that "people live together in harmony".
Christian and Muslim leaders meet regularly in Kondoa to resolve conflicts. "In general, grassroots people have no problem."
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