Browsing by Author "Renatus, Karumuna"

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    Christian-Muslim Relationship: A Challenge to The Roman Catholic Church In Zanzibar
    (Tangaza University College, 2003-01) Renatus, Karumuna
    There are many problems that exist in many parts of the world due to lack of dialogue. In some parts there is a predominance of Islam that appears to give little room for other religions. In these places, there is recurrent tension and confrontation between Muslims and Non-Muslims. Such tension is likely to lead to alarming problems, calling for concern about the future of the people in such tense circumstances. In this regard. Christian-Muslim animosity in such places as Zanzibar may be said to have multiple causes namely; external influences, uncompromising •diwah' activities, and the internal political situation, inter-ethnic factors and economic issues. For example, Unguja is relatively well off economically while Pemba drags behind in social-economic development. Geographically, Zanzibar is situated in the Indian Ocean, and comprises of two sister islands namely Unguja and Pemba that are found on the eastern side of East African coast (See Appendix II, liii, lit). However, since 1964. Zanzibar united with Tanganyika and formed one nation currently known as Tanzania. The indigenous people are from mainland Tanzania. They were fishermen. Later businessmen came in from the Middle East. They participated in slave trade. Many people were taken from different parts of Africa, especially central, southern and eastern Africa, and settled in Zanzibar before they were taken to the Far East.
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    Christian-Muslim Relationship: A Challenge to the Roman Catholic Church in Zanzibar
    (Tangaza University College, 2005) Renatus, Karumuna
    From 1860-1964 Christians seemed to be in diaspora where they could not exercise their faith. The animosity between Christians and the Muslims was evident such that the church was not allowed to proselytise. When was she free? The local ordinary writes, The first revolutionary government did not allow the building of permanent churches because it was intended that the migrant workers go back home. However, since Zanzibar had no choice but to seek protection by uniting with Tanganyika, the Islands adopted the national constitution which allows "freedom of religion- and hence the freedom of worship. Only two church buildings were recognised, the Anglican Cathedral and St. Joseph's Cathedral (Minara Miwili the Two Tower Church). Unable to provide educational and health services because of nationalisation, and unable to proselytise because such an activity would tarnish the relationship with the Muslims, the Church was reduced to sacramental ministry only1 Indeed, seeds of animosity between Christians and Moslems have undeniably been planted; henceforth the roots of religious tolerance and reconciliation are to be promoted. Working out strategies and process for inter-religious harmony can do this. Reviewing the theological understanding of the two religions will help to achieve this goal. That is, there is only one God, but there are different ways that lead them to God, provided they are good ways or means. This can only be possible if the religious leaders are well informed of their religious history. Many controversies and the enmity which exists between the two religions does not emanate from within. These come about as a result of religious misinterpretations, particularly by fundamentalists or extremists. Religious leaders must understand that the animosity, which is found, between Christians and Muslims in other Islamic countries in Arab world are not justifiable in Zanzibar. The Christians and Muslims in Zanzibar must construct their own mission strategies such as interfaith dialogue. The dialogue must explain their theological issues, discussions over dogmas and other issues which may come in as practical realities in people's lives. For example, how to liberate the human person from sufferings and other issues that affect the human dignity. In order to promote good relationship it is said that, "the same goal which marked the mission of the first Spiritans was liberate the human person to become all that one is created to become- marks the mission of Christ being lived out in Zanzibar today."2 If the Christians and Muslims co-operate in efforts of clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, healing the sick, educating people and so on, then all of them are in the process of achieving true fruitful dialogue, and this is likely to lead to the one true God. Once all these procedures are taken seriously and conscientiously, different religious and their followers can live together in peace without the inter-religious animosity such as that witnessed in Zanzibar. The key theological perspective to be upheld in interfaith dialogue is embedded in the concept of monotheism. as both Muslims and Christian believe in One God.