In the Lake Rukwa basin of Tanzania, where growing tension between pastoralist and farming communities has erupted into deadly conflict, The Rev. Benjamin Nyamweru saw a call to evangelism. With support from the Episcopal Evangelism Society, Benjamin organized a multi-day peacebuilding training in Mtowisa Ward, uniting local government leaders, farmers, herders, and religious figures—including both Christian and Muslim leaders—to promote dialogue, conflict resolution, and mutual understanding.
The training equipped participants with conflict de-escalation strategies grounded in biblical reconciliation, Tanzanian land laws, and principles of restorative justice. Attendees not only examined the sources of community conflict, but committed to serving as peace ambassadors in their villages. A representative peacebuilders committee was also commissioned to carry the work forward. One participant likened the training to “giving water to thirsty people in the desert.”
As a lifelong Anglican priest and former diocesan training coordinator for evangelists, Benjamin approached this project with deep pastoral insight. Yet, this was the first time the Church had taken a lead role in reconciliation in this region. He encountered some skepticism—especially among Muslim participants unsure whether the Church was a trustworthy partner—but through transparency and hospitality, he earned trust and opened new paths for collective action.
By centering the ministry of reconciliation as a public witness to Christ’s love, Benjamin offered a bold model of evangelism rooted in local context and shared human dignity.
“I chose to address the conflict not by condemning any side, but by bringing them together to learn the Gospel truth about peaceful coexistence. Evangelism must restore dignity and humanity.”
—The Rev. Benjamin Nyamweru
Benjamin completed his Master of Arts in Theology at Sewanee in 2025 and continues to serve the Anglican Diocese of Southern Highlands in Mbeya, Tanzania.
