Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT)

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT)is the second-largest Lutheran church in the world with over 6 million members. The focus of ELCT is on holistic service to people. It carries out health work and is the sponsor of numerous hospitals and health stations. It maintains educational institutions ranging from elementary schools to Lutheran University. It also operates hydraulic engineering and land development projects.

The East and Coast Diocese, centered in Dar es Salaam, is one of 26 dioceses of the ELCT. Its head, Bishop Dr. Alex Malasusa, was the ELCT’s senior bishop for 8 years and is also vice president for Africa in the Lutheran World Federation. The East and Coast Diocese operate, among other things, an interfaith center in Zanzibar and its own radio and television station.