Introducing the Masasi Survey Series: Faith, Community, and Leadership in a Rural Diocese

Dear Subscriber First Name,

Greetings from Masasi.

I am pleased to introduce a new series of articles based on the December 2024 Masasi Survey, an initiative led by my colleague Fr Vicent Masimosya. This survey represents a significant step in understanding the lived experiences of congregants across our diocese. It marks the beginning of a journey to reflect on how our church continues to thrive, adapt, and fulfil its mission in rural Tanzania.

The survey, which engaged 165 participants from 11 parishes, offers a snapshot of how our communities perceive faith, leadership, stewardship, and belonging. Although this was a pilot study and not statistically representative of our nearly 40,000 members, the findings are nonetheless illuminating. The responses provide invaluable insights into the perspectives of those most engaged in the life of our church, offering a foundation for deeper research and ongoing dialogue.

This series of six articles will delve into the survey findings and explore their significance in light of our diocesan mission. Together, these articles reflect on three core themes:

1. Faith Flourishes When Rooted in Community: The survey highlights the central role of the church in fostering belonging and mutual care. For instance, one result reveals that over 80% of respondents feel a strong sense of belonging to their parish church, underscoring its importance as both a spiritual and social anchor.

2. The Episcopal Model Remains Strong but Faces Nuance: Respondents expressed trust in the bishop’s authority while also valuing consultation and local involvement. For example, nearly 70% of participants affirmed that the authority of the bishop is more important than that of the parish priest, revealing the enduring strength of the episcopal model.

3. Stewardship Is Essential but Requires Collective Buy-In: While congregants broadly support financial contributions and the diocesan structure, sustaining this commitment across the entire diocese presents significant challenges. A key finding shows that while many congregants can afford the recommended TZS1,000 monthly tithe, seasonal incomes require a more flexible approach to stewardship.

The Articles

These themes will be explored in detail across six articles, written to provide historical context, survey analysis, and human interest stories that bring the data to life:

1. Historical 

   This article places the Diocese of Masasi in its historical context and uses survey data to show how it is honouring its traditions while embracing modern priorities.

2. Tradition and Modern Faith: Navigating Continuity and Change
   This article will examine how congregants navigate the interplay between tradition and modern faith. Drawing on responses about ancestral practices and liturgy, it will reveal how the diocese balances deep cultural roots with contemporary Christian theology.

3. Episcopal versus Congregational: A Reflection on Leadership and Governance
   Exploring attitudes toward centralized versus local decision-making, this article will highlight the strong preference for the episcopal model while acknowledging nuanced perspectives.

4. Liberal versus Conservative: Shaping the Future of the Diocese
   This article will analyze responses that reflect the diocese’s predominantly conservative orientation, particularly on theological and social issues, while also considering areas of openness and dialogue.

5. Attitudes to Church Financing: Stewardship and Sustainability
   Focusing on the financial underpinnings of the church, this article will explore responses related to tithing, resource allocation, and the role of financial stability in worship, highlighting successes and challenges of the Masasi Stewardship Strategy.

6. Faith and Belonging Across Communities
   This article will reflect on how congregants perceive their connection to the church, both locally and as part of the global Anglican Communion, emphasizing participation, mutual care, and trust.

Acknowledgments

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Canon Leslie Francis and Dr. Ursula McKenna of  the World Religions and Education Research Unit at  Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, England (a member of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion) for their invaluable guidance and expertise in designing and analysing the survey. They are leaders in the field and have very generously given us their time.  Their contributions have been essential in ensuring the quality and integrity of this initiative so far.

I am also deeply grateful to our partners whose support of the Masasi Stewardship Strategy made this project possible: The Friends of Masasi, The Grille Foundation, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Olney and St. Francis Episcopal Church, Potomac. Your generosity has not only strengthened our diocese but also enriched our understanding of the communities we serve.

Join Us on This Journey

I hope you find this series both thought-provoking and inspiring.  We would love to know what you think.  Please let us know here.

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Yours in Christ,

+James
Bishop of Masasi