Reformation Day in Bukoba

On 28 October 2017, Bukoba Cathedral was packed to capacity. More than 1,000 people had come to celebrate Reformation Day together. Since August 2017, the North-Western Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania has been commemorating the Reformer Martin Luther and informing about the history of Protestantism with various events. In this context, special campaigns were organized, such as a blood donor campaign benefiting the health centres of the diocese. Bishop Dr Abednego Keshomshara led the service together with the Chaplain of the Cathedral, Rev. Edson Lugemeleza. Bishop Dr Benson Bagonza from the neighbouring Karagwe Diocese preached about the power of faith and what faith can achieve. Detlef Pflaumbaum from the church district of Recklinghausen, which has been in partnership with the district of Magharibi since many years, conveyed greetings on behalf of Church Official Dr Ulrich Möller from the Westphalian church. “The Reformation celebrations provide both an opportunity and a challenge for us, the Protestant Christians of today: What distinguishes us? How do we spread our faith into the world? Do we hide behind all the problems in the world?” These questions were addressed by a panel discussion with Bishop Emeritus Dr Samuel Mushemba. At that day, the Christians in the North-Western Diocese (NWD) did not hide and demonstrated that they are Lutherans wearing yellow polo shirts with Luther’s portrait. The UEM community was visible as well: A choir from the Baptist Church in Central Africa (CBCA) had come from Goma in Eastern Congo and, together with choirs from the NWD, they livened up the eight-hour celebration. Photos: Uli Baege / UEM