The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Christians

  • Polls: Division among Christians worries publishers

    The Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN), an umbrella body of publishers of Christian news, has lamented the widening division among Christians over political differences.

    The development, it said, has set the church back in its evangelical mission and portrayed it in a negative light before the public.

    This was the major resolution after a stakeholders meeting by the organisation last week in Lagos.

    While admitting that Christians have shown an incredibly great interest in politics, the body said there were indices that the engagement has not been well-managed.

    In a nine-point communiqués signed by its coordinator, Gracious Akintayo and secretary, Jackson Ekwugum, CPAN lamented:  “Many Christians have been divided along party lines especially along the line of the ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party and the main opposition party, All Peoples Congress.”

    It added:  “Pastors who are supposed to give direction to church people and counsel them on staying on the will of God and protecting the cause of the kingdom of God have themselves been entrenched in partisan politics.’’

    It observed the development had degenerated to the point that “some church leaders have thrown caution to the wind by engaging themselves in verbal wars and in some instances fisticuffs over who to support and who not to support.”

    CPAN said the “integrity of the church is being compromised while church leaders are being dragged in the mud as a result of fathom allegations which have not been substantiated with facts and figures.

    “There is an atmosphere of bewitchment of the church. There seems to be too much emotion in party support than reason. People are holding to their allegiance to parties as if there salvation lies in those parties.

    “The cause of the kingdom has suffered considerably owing to blind party followership and lack of recourse to the will and purpose of God for the nation.”

    It called on Christians to exercise restrain over political involvement and continue to uphold the nation in prayers.

    “God will only act in response to the prayers of the saints. We must pray and bring all matters concerning the elections and who becomes our next president into the hands of God.

    “We must realize that the purpose and plan of God cannot be thwarted by any human force.

    “We believe that if we pray, God will act. We believe that Nigeria is strategic in the plan of God for the end time.

    “We believe that we cannot afford to fritter away the opportunity before us to enthrone righteousness, justice and peace in the land,” the Christian publishers stressed.

  • Christians urged to collect PVCs

    Christians urged to collect PVCs

    Christians in Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have been advised to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    The President of the Patriotic Christian Leaders Forum (PCLF), Dr. Adefunmilayo Akitoye-Braimoh, gave the advice at Apa in Badagry during a sensitisation programme organised for Christian leaders.

    The occasion was also used to inaugurate the group’s leaders.

    Mrs. Akitoye-Braimoh said with their PVC, Christians would liberate themselves from corrupt politicians.

    According to her, the coming elections were important for Christians and they should be interested in exercising their franchise by obtaining PVCs.

    Dr. Akitoye-Braimoh, who is also the senior special assistant (SSA) to Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola on Christian Religion Matters, said churches had been praying for the nation, “but Christians must go beyond prayers by picking up their PVCs to vote good leaders.”

    She enjoined those who had obtained their PVCs not to sell them, to avoid trading away their future.

    The Executive Secretary of Badagry West LCDA, Mr. Joseph Agoro, while assuring residents of the co-operation of his government, said residents, who have not collected their PVCs, should do so.

    He promised to ensure victory for the APC candidates in Badagry.

    His words: “I encourage you all as Christians to participate in the coming elections. As you obtain your PVCs, I urge you to shun double dealings and dubious characters. Don’t join the bandwagon because we need you to sanitise the system.”

     

     

  • CAN denies threatening Christians

    CAN denies threatening Christians

    Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described as baseless, fictitious and unfounded, an allegation that the association is threatening its members over their support for General Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections.

    The CAN Chairman, Rev. Titus Pona, in a statement last Saturday in Maiduguri titled: ‘Response To The Wild Threat of Allegations of Threat to Christians in the State’, said the allegation was untrue.

  • Southern Kaduna Christians oppose ‘political deceit’

    Prominent religious leaders, under the aegis of Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Council (SKCLC), led by Bishop Joseph Danlami Bagobiri, at the weekend vowed to fight political deceit and injustice being meted out to the people ahead of the 2015 general elections.

    They also said promised to mobilise their followers to vote for only credible and competent candidates who would address fundamental issues without recourse to political parties and other inclinations.

    The religious leaders stated their position at the Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit in Kafanchan,  the political headquarters of the area.

    Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) former National President Prof Yusufu Turaki said: “I stand here to speak on behalf of Southern Kaduna Leaders Council and also on behalf of the majority of our people and Southern Kaduna in general. The rallying cry, groaning and yearnings of our people can be summarised in few words: the quest for socio-political and economic emancipation. Our sons in particular have been involved in politics since independence but with no tangible, visible and enduring results.

    “In recent times, we have suffered too many political setbacks. One in particular worth mentioning is the death of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa. Since our sons and daughters have lost their political bearings and relevance, we are now being compelled to chart a new political path for our people.

    “We must change the political game and bring our people to the centre stage of politics so that they can become the centrepiece of our current politics. We no longer trust our politicians.”

    Turaki, who is one of the leading African theologians, added: “We are no longer interested in any political slogans or political posters or political money bags, but only real political stuff for our people. We are no longer interested in hearing political stories and lies of politicians. Rather, we want to be listened to.”

  • Christians celebrate Christmas in Borno despite restriction

    Christians celebrate Christmas in Borno despite restriction

    Despite the ban on vehicular movement in Maiduguri metropolis and other parts of Borno state until the end of the yuletide celebration, there was high turnout of Christians in churches to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

    Worshippers had to travel from long distances within to attend the Christmas mass at different locations in the town.

    St. Patrick Catholic Church Maiduguri was one of the churches that witnessed a high turnout of worshipers despite the palpable fear of a suicide attack on the worshippers by the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

    In his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Maiduguri Most Rev. Dr. Oliver Dashe Doeme assured the worshipers, many of whom are Internally Displaced Persons from Adamawa part of the diocese ( Pulka, Madagali, Gulak, MichiKa ,  Mubi ) that he will “be with them even in the deepest dungeon”.

    “My dear people of God, the priests, religious and the entire lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, I extend my fraternal greetings to all of you especially at this trying moment in our life as a church.

    “On the menace of Boko Haram, to say that we are experiencing severe test of our faith in this diocese hardly requires an emphasis. We are thoroughly devastated by the Boko Haram attacks. All our parishes in areas such as Monguno, Gamboru Ngala, Bama, Pulka, Madagali, Mataka, Gulak, Kaya, Yaffa, Shuwa, Michika, Bazza and Betso are under Boko Haram control. As a result of this, thousands of our Catholic faithful have been displaced. Many of them are on top of the mountains, thousands are in the Cameroun, and thousands are in Yola as well as in Maiduguri city among others. There are over twenty of our priests who have been displaced and are managing with their brother priests in the Diocese of Yola (thanks to the kind gesture of Bishop Stephen Mamza) and a few of them are squatting with their friends elsewhere.

    “Since the crisis began, thousands of people have been killed. There are hundreds of our women and children who have been adopted. Some of the men have been forcefully conscripted into the Boko Haram army. In the recent attacks which led to many of our people fleeing, a lot of our aged people have been trapped in these areas. Some of them have been killed by the sect members, while others have died of hunger. There are many of you whose family houses, shops and vehicles have been vandalized or burnt down. The animals and crops belonging to some of you have either been looted or destroyed. The destructions done to our church structures both in the cities and villages are enormous”.

    Bishop Doeme praised the faith of the worshippers who have made it to the church on the Christmas day.

    Samuel Amaza one of the worshippers who spoke with our correspondent expressed joy for for seeing them through their trying times.

    “We have to thank God that we are alive today. Some of our people have died. Even though we have no homes now, we still hinge our hopes on the almighty the creator of  Heaven  and Earth.

    “It is our  believe that this problem of Boko Haram would not last forever. Our land will witness peace again. Our peace would be everlasting after these bad times. The scriptures have said it all. It will surely come to pass,” Amaza said.
    Rev. Fr. Gideon Obasogie, the Director of Catholic   Communications in Maiduguri Diocese   noted that, “despite the security lapses and challenge Christmas was celebrated with great joy and faith in the city of Maiduguri. We hope and pray that the forth coming Nation’s elections would be tension – free and that the threat of terrorism would be a thing of the pass”.

     

  • Stop dividing Christians, cleric warns politicians

    The Executive Director of the Voice of Christian Martyrs, Rev Isaac Newton-Wusu, has called on politicians to avoid setting Christians against themselves.

    He spoke against the backdrop of criticisms trailing a CD by Pastor Bosun Emmanuel on alleged plans to Islamise the nation.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos last week, Newton-Wusu said:

    “We wish to express our dissatisfaction about the purported statement by politicians on Pastor Bosun CD on the state of the nation which is misleading, unfair and undemocratic.

    “We condemn it as it is aimed at distracting well meaning Nigerians from the truth that would help build our nation.

    “Serious issues that affect Nigerians were revealed in the message and the Pastor has the right to express his apprehension about issues that affect Christianity, more so, considering the lethal persecution of Christians in the northern parts of the country.”

    He noted while the constitution guarantees every citizen the right to personal belief and joins any political party of their choice, nobody should be hunted or persecuted because of what they believe in.

    While stating that Christianity promotes peace, the cleric added: “We also acknowledge that there are moderate Muslims, particularly in the South West, who are willing to practice their religion and allow people freedom of religious beliefs.

    “It is the Islamic extremists that are responsible for the insecurity in the nation and they are the causes of the apprehension. This is condemned around the world.”

    He challenged politicians to put an end to carnage ravaging the nation rather “than raising issues with godly pastors like Emmanuel whom I know can never be purchased to be mischievous.”

  • ‘Why Christians fail in life’

    Why do many Christians die unfulfilled?

    This was the focal point recently during a seminar tagged The birth of prophecy by Christ Combatant Ministry Lagos.

    The founder of the church, Pastor Amavi Ajavon, explained that many Christians never really discover God’s purpose for their lives.

    Others, he stated, fail to pray such glorious destiny into manifestation.

    He said: “Many destinies are hanging because they are living casually forgetting that God has a plan for them and prayer helps to unfold and fulfill that plan after which the right steps are taken as revealed by God.

    “The birth of prophecy is the birth of a destiny. The younger generation has a lot to do in building the waste places of Nigeria. By realising that vision from God, they can turn around this nation because herein lies the future.”

    The next edition of the seminar holds on Sunday, November 30.

  • Christians urged to join politics

    Christians urged to join politics

    AN inter-denominational Christian group, Christian Conscience, has called on Christians to participate more in politics.

    The group called for a Christian governor to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola.

    The National Chairman, Enoch Ajiboso, told the gathering that the group was formed to erase the impression that politics was a dirty game and to sensitise Christians to participate in politics.

    He said: “If we choose to stay aloof, charlatans will continue to have a field day. The time has come for god-fearing people to show interest in politics. The Christian Conscience is the answer to that quest.”

    The guest lecturer, Rev. Femi Asiwaju, said the Christian leaders, who emerged after Independence, did very well.

    “Chief Awolowo ran a viable economic system as premier of the Western Region while his region was at par with Korea and Singapore.”

    He said these countries had attained the status of developed countries.

    Asiwaju urged Christian leaders to search where “we got it wrong and subsequently make amends”.

    He debunked the notion that Nigeria was poor, saying: “We should not make ourselves poor because God has given us enough resources to prosper with”.

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Leke Pitan, called for a unity of purpose among Christians.

    He urged the group to go about their desire in a peaceful and lawful manner.

    The group’s National Co-ordinator, Sam Ogedengbe, urged Christians to register and collect their permanent voter cards.

  • ‘Represent Christians in all things’

    The Bishop Theologian of The Anglican Communion and Rector of Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Rev. Dapo Asaju, has charged Christians to continue to beam the light of Jesus in different strata of national life.

    Asaju gave this charge at the 2014 Adult Harvest of The African Church Cathedral Salem Ebute-Metta, Lagos penultimate Sunday.

    Tagged Harvest of Uncommon Lifting, the service attracted government officials, captains of industry and community leaders.

    Exemplary Christians who have contributed to the kingdom also received awards.

    Among the awardees were The Head of Service, Lagos State, Mrs. Josephine Wiilliams; Managing Director, Daddu Construction Company, Surulere, Sir David Dawodu and Vice Chairman Twelve Brethren  Society, Bro Muyiwa Odumose, among others.

    Speaking as the guest preacher, Asaju said the prevalence of confusion, poverty, corruption, injustices and insecurity offer an opportunity for Christians to show the light of God and influence their communities.

    He said: “The whole of God’s creature are waiting for the light of Jesus that drives away darkness. It is only the children of God that can bring solution to the problem of societies.”

    He noted that Christians of all ages have risen up to bring about good education, health care facilities, good roads, portable water and all forms of economic empowerment programmes in modern civilisation.

    Asaju argued that the church cannot remain indifferent to the needs and aspirations of the world, stating: “The time of harvest for God’s children will soon come as we sow in tears for a better and safer world for all of us to live in and our children, we will reap in joy here in this world and in eternity.”

    He stressed that Christians must be faithful and content with the little that the Lord has given to them and avoid the short-cut syndrome that has done more harms than good to the nation.

    The Hon. vice Lay President, Lagos Mainland Diocese of the church, Chief Babatunde Odufuwa, said that the harvest celebration of the church was to appreciate the goodness of God in their homes, family, church and bring their fruits and material gift in recognition of His goodness.

    Odufuwa, who is also the Chancellor of Southwestern University, appealed to government to invest more in developing young minds that would be veritable catalysts for development.

    In her response to the award, the Head of Service, Lagos State, Mrs. Josephine Williams, said that it will propel her to do more for the kingdom.

  • Ramadan charities help Malawi Christians

    Ramadan charities help Malawi Christians

    Taking advantage of the spirit of sharing among Muslims during the Holy month of Ramadan, hordes of needy Christians are flocking to various designated Iftar distribution centers alongside their Muslim counterparts amid the deteriorating standards of living in the southern African nation.

    “In most of the centers designated for distribution of the foodstuffs to needy Muslims since the beginning of Ramadan, we are overwhelmed by growing numbers of Malawians of other faith groups who are coming to benefit from this level of goodwill,” Sheikh Abdu Fattani, National Chairperson of Islamic Relief Agency, told OnIslam.net.

    “We are moved by this development, because it clearly indicates that our helping hand extends even beyond the Muslim community. Our religion is glorified by this,” Fattani said.

    Islam is the second largest religion in Malawi after Christianity. It accounts for 36 per cent of the country’s 16 million population.

    Along with serving the poor Muslims during the month of fasting, the Muslim community in Malawi has offered help to the needy of all other faiths in the secular, but diverse religious southern African nation.

    Fattani said the development is also fostering unity among Malawians of all faith beliefs.

    He said: “If both Muslims and Christians could come together during Ramadan and get food for their sustenance, without feeling discriminated, to us as a Muslim community signifies unity.

    The gestures by Muslim charities were commended by some influential leaders within the Christian community as a “bridge” towards enforcing unity among diverse religions.

    “Muslims giving out food to needy Christians during Ramadan is a wonderful development that we applaud. This shows how benevolent Muslims can be during Ramadan. And this calls for us Christian leaders to rethink our attitude towards Islam and Muslims,” Bishop Brighton Malasa, Chairperson of the Anglican Council of Malawi (ACM), a mother body of the Anglican Church in the country told OnIslam.net.