Christian leaders in Tanzania have spoken out against proposals to introduce Kadhi, or Islamic, courts to deal with disputes in the country's Islamic community.

A petition, signed by 64 leaders from the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) and Pentecostal churches, said that such courts would create religious tension in a country that is proud of its religious and social tolerance.

If introduced, the Kadhi courts will deal with domestic issues such as marriage and divorce. They were introduced officially in 1985 to the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, which is 99 per cent Muslim.

According to the BBC, politicians and the public are split on the issue and whilst the Tanzanian government has not yet made a decision, there is a "good chance" it will approve the proposals.

The government is contemplating joining the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Tanzania's Guardian newspaper quoted Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Bernard Membe as saying the government would seek the consent of the people when deciding whether or not to join the OIC.

Christian leaders spoken against joining the OIC, saying that it would breach the Tanzanian constitution which states that the country is secular.