Religious leaders have been urged to abandon the habit of preaching peace only in their workplaces and instead continue to preach peace even when they are outside their workplaces.
The advice was given by Father, Dr. Meshaki Nyerere Pius at the International Religious Peace Academy (IRPA) Day celebrations which were held at the Mohamed wa Sita Mosque, Kinondoni in Dar es Salaam, November 28, 2025.
Father, Dr. Nyerere said that often religious leaders and servants of God have only preached peace in their workplaces but when they are outside those areas they stop preaching peace, something that is not good for peace, it must be preached everywhere so that it can reach more people.
Buddhist leader, Reverend Thero said that when it comes to peace, it is necessary to put religious differences aside and preach and defend peace with all their might.
He said that in the commandments of all religions, there is not a single religion whose commandments say that people should disturb the peace, so in the path of peace, all religions should unite because that path unites all religions.
Sheikh Ali Hamisi from the Islamic Council of Tanzania [BAKWATA] who was at the celebration on behalf of the Grand Sheikh, Mufti Zuberi, said he commended the Heavenly Peace and Culture Organization [HWPL] for organizing the celebration, especially during this period when the country is not in a good state.
“BAKWATA, when we preach peace, we are told that we are the government’s lice. Now, whose lice are these HWPL? he asked! We thank HWPL for coming and preaching peace as BAKWATA always does, so it will increase strength especially during this difficult period in the country”, said Sheikh Hamisi
The celebrations were organized by the HWPL Tanzania branch with the aim of reconciliation and reducing conflicts and bringing mutual understanding between religious communities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region with the participation of religious leaders and members of civil society from the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia.
The Manager of the HWPL Tanzania branch, Dr. Erick Martin said that during the celebrations, participants were given education on international peace laws, peace education and education for youth on various issues related to peace.
However, Dr. Martin said that participants and other people were required to join an online peace academy which is coordinated by the Tanzania Religious Peace Academy [TRPA] in collaboration with IRPA.
Dr. Martin said the Academy will start offering free online peace training and that the four-week training [4] will start from Feb 28 to March 28, 2026. They therefore asked participants and others to register using the QR code or link: (Tanzania Version) HWPL, IRPA 4th Application
The main theme for the celebration was “What is the meaning of religion?, Why is religion important to people”.
