African Synod's message revives debate on beatification for Nyerere

October 30, 2009

A striking sentence from the message approved by the African Synod-- "Africa needs saints in high political office"-- have helped to renew debate on Africa on the cause for beatification of Julius Nyerere, the former Tanzanian leader who died in 1999. Opinions are sharply divided on the influence of Nyerere, who was a devout Catholic but headed a one-party government frequently criticized for corruption. The Musuma diocese opened a local inquiry into a case for his beatification in January 2006.

 

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Further information:

• Yes, Nyerere Could Make a Great Saint! (Kampala Observer)
• Synod message challenges African leaders to stop corruption (CWN, 10/23)
• Beatification inquiry for Tanzania's Nyerere (CWN, 1/30/06)