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Nigeria: Anglicans, Catholics Urge Unity Among Nigerians
By Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu and Michael Egbejule
www.allafrica.com
October 23, 2014
THE Nigerian Anglican/Roman Catholic Commission (NARCC) has called for unity among Nigerians, noting that the failure of the church to unite is partly responsible for the continuous intimidation of citizens by the Boko Haram insurgents in parts of the country.
The commission, during her bi-annual meeting in Benin city, the Edo State capital, described the insecurity in the country as unacceptable and called for unity among Nigerians and the church to overcome the challenge, noting that "Apostle Paul developed the theme of unity in the body of Christ."
President, Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, said the meeting was another way forward to let the faithful know about the dialogue between the Anglican church and the Roman Catholic church in Nigeria.
He noted that the meeting is very important because "Nigeria is currently passing through different forms of challenges. Among the reasons for these challenges are different forms of divisions that are caused by human agents. In times like this, Christians cannot afford to be divided. This is the time to come together in accordance to the will of Jesus Christ who prayed that we may be one."
In his goodwill message, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, said Christian churches, particularly the mainstream churches, need to work together to combat the peculiar challenges of Nigeria.
"The prophetic voice of the church should be loud and clear. The church as the kingdom of God on earth should not only chart the course but also lead the way in the affairs of the nation. This can only happen when the church is united."
Meanwhile, leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) would next week converge on Benin City, Edo State, to pray for peace in Nigeria and for peaceful conduct of the 2015 general elections in the country.
Besides, the Christian leaders would pray for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria during the Bible Alive Believers International Convention (BABIC), an annual convention of the Gospel Light International Ministries, New Covenant Gospel Church, Benin City.
The National president of PFN, Rev Felix Omobude, disclosed this in a statement in Benin where he said that the one-week convention with the theme "Thy Kingdom Come" would attract over 120,000 Christians, including clerics from within and outside Nigeria.
"It is our expectation that Nigerians in particular and Nigeria as a country will witness a mighty visitation of God during and after the convention and there shall be a harvest of miracles, signs and wonders. As the theme of the convention indicates, we are trusting God for a return of the principles of the kingdom of God in the lives of Christians with a resultant effect on the life of the nation. We have God's assurance that the impact on lives and the nation will be manifest and unmistakable," Omobude stated.
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