Christian-Muslim Relationship: A Challenge to the Roman Catholic Church in Zanzibar
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Date
2005
Authors
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
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.
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Keywords
Christian-Muslim Relationship, Challenge to the Roman Catholic Church, Zanzibar