The President and First Lady meet with Pope Benedict XVI – photo Issah Michuzi

Pope Benedict XVI has promised to visit Tanzania after receiving an invitation from President Kikwete, who met the Pope at the Holy See in October. The Pope commended Tanzania for upholding tolerance and religious harmony. “Tanzania is among the most peaceful countries in the world – it does not deny sleep to the Vatican” he said – Guardian.

A prominent British Muslim journalist, who converted to the faith, Yvonne Ridley, has said that there was no such a thing as moderate Islam. While in the country as a guest of the Muslim University of Morogoro, she said someone can either be pregnant or not and, “simi- larly, one is either a Muslim or not”. Addressing packed crowds in Dar es Salaam and at the university she said what is called the war against terrorism led by the USA and UK is actually a war against Islam and Muslims. “One propaganda aspect of this is the terminologies used such as ‘radical’ and ‘moderate’ Muslims”. As soon as she finished talking women climbed the rostrum and hugged her – An-Nuur.

President Jakaya Kikwete has disassociated himself and the Government from the ongoing controversy as to whether or not Tanzania should have a Kadhi Court. The President made the remarks in Dar es Salaam at a ceremony to consecrate Archbishop Dr Alex Malasusa as new Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT). The President made it clear that although the establishment of a Kadhi Court was inserted in CCM’s Manifesto when he was running for the presidency in 2005, he was not involved in that decision. He urged Tanzanians to be patient because the matter had been taken to the Law Reform Commission for advice – HabariLeo.

The office of the Mufti of Zanzibar has banned four Muslim preachers from the Mainland, saying their teachings were offensive to other religions – Mtanzania