WCC NEWS: Election-related violence in Tanzania concerns WCC governing body

Election-related violence in Tanzania has drawn concern from the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee, which released a minute expressing solidarity with churches and people of Tanzania, following violence and instability after recent disputed elections.  Street life in Babati, Manyara region, Tanzania. Photo: Albin Hillert/LWF 24 November 2025 “We are especially alarmed by reports of widespread deadly violence by police and security personnel to suppress protests by mostly young demonstrators, in a country that has previously been seen as a beacon of peace and stability,” reads the minute. The WCC governing body lamented the fact that many families remain unaware of the fate of loved ones, and that bodies of those killed have not been returned to them. “We support calls for full transparency by the government and its authorities, and for an independent investigation into these events,” reads the text. The WCC executive committee is meeting in Hangzhou, China from 20-25 November. WCC Minute on Election-Related Violence in Tanzania WCC central committee moderator reflects on church unity, climate justice (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC general secretary: “WCC is being looked at as a source of strength and support” (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) WCC executive committee opens in Hangzhou, China (WCC news release, 20 November 2025) Photo gallery: WCC executive committee meeting in China See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland