Failure to pay tithe

I am a Christian living in Dar es Salaam. Earlier this year, I started attending a church near my home. On the following Sunday, I was told that I had to pay tithe (famously known as fungu la kumi) based on my monthly income. Since I did not have money at the time, I was unable to pay. I was then asked to leave the church premises and was told not to return unless I paid the required tithe. Is it lawful for a church to prevent someone from attending worship simply because they have not paid tithe?

BM, Dar es Salaam

Freedom of religion in Tanzania is protected by the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania. Article 19 guarantees every person the freedom of conscience, faith and choice in matters of religion, including the freedom to practice and manifest one’s religion. At the same time, religious organizations generally enjoy the freedom to regulate their internal affairs, including matters relating to membership, governance and religious practices, provided that they act within the law.

Whether a church may restrict a person’s participation or membership will, therefore, depend on its governing rules and the circumstances of a particular case.

If a church is open to the public for purposes of worship, preventing a person from attending solely because they have not paid tithe may raise questions regarding the exercise of constitutional rights, particularly where the restriction is arbitrary or discriminatory. However, each case will depend on its own facts, the church’s constitution or governing documents and the reasons for the decision. In this regard, if you believe that your rights have been unfairly infringed, you may first seek clarification from the church leadership. Depending on the circumstances, you may also seek further legal advice from your lawyer on the available remedies under the law.