The North Western Diocese (NWD) is one of the other 23 dioceses which form the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT).  Although it is part of and abides by the constitution of the nationwide ELCT, the diocese is an autonomous institution, with its own constitution for managing its internal affairs.

The NWD as a church is called and sent by God to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and serve God’s people. From its early days, the NWD has understood itself to have evangelism and social action roles as two sides of the same coin. Therefore, it has engaged itself in both, preaching the gospel as well as participating in development activities in the services of the people of all faiths in her geographical area of operation