TANZANIA: Worshippers swept away in river baptism

Tanzanian police have detained a pastor after two worshippers drowned while being baptised in a river near Rombo in the north of the country. The two victims were overwhelmed by the current of the River Ungwasi, a police spokesman has said. They are members of a local church, Shalom, which is part of the charismatic […]

Tanzanian police have detained a pastor after two worshippers drowned while being baptised in a river near Rombo in the north of the country.

The two victims were overwhelmed by the current of the River Ungwasi, a police spokesman has said.

They are members of a local church, Shalom, which is part of the charismatic Christian movement.

Baptism in a river rather than in church is seen as a way of re-enacting the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan.

The ceremony is a symbol of washing away sin and the start of a new life.