The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Christians

  • Why religious violence?

    Why religious violence?

    Some decades back, Muslims and Christians had cause to clash in Nigeria without reason. In the course of such clashes, they killed and maimed one another in hundreds and in thousands. They ruined legacies and destroyed heritages. Property worth billions of naira were vandalized or burnt. But after the dust became settled, regret took the centre stage of reasoning. This has happened again and again. Yet, the end result has always been regret.

    The main question which has not been answered is WHY? Can killings, maiming and destruction of wealth be attributed to love of religion or affection for God? What is there to prove that one man is more qualified for admission into paradise than another? And why must one person compel another to gain entry into paradise? In which religion is killing or maiming a certificate for currying the favour of God?

    Before the arrival of Islam and Christianity in Nigeria, the traditional religionists were worshipping in various ways. But none thought a particular way to be inferior to another. To them, all ways led to the same river. As far as they were concerned, religion was about man’s humanity to man. And that was what they practiced day and night.

    However, with the arrival of Islam and Christianity, those religionists were condemned in various terms and consigned to the primitive past. Preaching became condemnatory even as man began to  judge man on matters of the hereafter which is known to God alone. And thus with condemnation and counter condemnation, clashes started to ensue climaxing in killings which every divine religion treats as sacrilege. What exactly do the Muslims and Christians who clash violently over religion want? The adherents of both religions proclaim Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) as the father of their faith. They have revealed books passed over to them through Prophets Muhammad and Isa (Jesus) respectively. They commonly believe in those books, the Angels, resurrection and the Day of Judgment. They also believe in paradise and hell as means of reward for earthly conduct.

    To think that the method of worshipping or the way of approaching God must be one and the same for everybody is to assume that the entrance of paradise is only one through which everybody must pass. Such an assumption can only be a fallacy. Even as human beings we are not the same in look, colour and in tongues. And, to God who created us in such ways the only yardstick for measuring the superiority of to man over all other creatures is piety. Tell the world your own yardstick besides money.

  • ‘Christians have role in politics’

    A Cleric, Rt. Rev. Dapo Asaju, has urged Christians to participate in politics, saying that it is not a dirty game.

    He described the recent victory of former Ekiti State GovernorAyodele Fayose at the poll as the wish of the electorate.

    Asaju, a retired professor and an Anglican Bishop, said:” Darkness will shine, if light refuses to shine. God needs your role in politics, which starts from the youths, who are present here today. You need to register; you need to vote and also wait for your vote to be counted before leaving the polling booths.”

    The Vice Chancellor of the College of Technology, Abeokuta spoke at the 2014 Youth Summit organised by the Christian Conscience Group at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Ikeja.

    Asaju spoke on the theme: ‘Playing second fiddle in your father’s house’. He said: “The Bible gave the provision for the system of government in practice. Christians should be active participants and not the gaping audience.”

    Rev. Asaju said being a clergyman does not forbid him to join the push for  good governance. He said that Christians should support political parties of their choice, adding that they have the numerical strength to effect change in Lagos State.

    The cleric addded: “It is high time Christians got to power because we have the population and that is why we are trusting in your generation to be the change Nigeria seeks. Christ has the best manifesto and you are not inferior to anyone as your dream of being a leader is achievable, only if you make something great of yourself”.

    He said Governor Babatunde Fashola has  laudable projects for the state.  But, he maintained that Christians should support the push for change and good governance. The priest also charge Christians to wake up from their slumber and defend great values germane to good governance..

    Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, the General Overseer of Trinity House, said: “This is the right time Christians should clamour for change, new direction and a new beginning. Christians should not see politics as a dirty game”.

    He said a good Christian governor will be endowed with love, fear of God and sympathy for the common man.

    He urged Christians to register and protect their votes, run for electoral offices and become more politically conscious.

    The Chairman of the group, Chief Enouch Ajiboso, said the group’s aim sole is to bring youths together and work towards changing their life. He advised them to shun unruly behaviour and embrace good mentors.

    He added: “We want the youths to get involved in politics and governance in a positive way and we also have hope in their generations because they are the leaders of tomorrow and they need to be mentored as such.”

  • Renounce idolatry, Cleric urges Christians

    Renounce idolatry, Cleric urges Christians

    The Bishop in charge of Christ Holy Church (C.H.C) International Province III, Rt. Rev. Aaron Eziuzor, has urged Christians to renounce idolatry and worship the true God who is the Creator of all things.

    Bishop Eziuzor gave the advice while preaching during the 2014 Fathers’ Day celebration of the church at the Aba Superintendent Headquarters of the church. He noted that Christians are suffering and being defeated today by Satan because they have abandoned worshipping the true God to depend so much on powers of fake gods.

    The cleric, who quoted copiously from Psalm 37:25-35, called on parishioners to emulate Abraham, Noah and David whom he said were able to attract the love and protection of God and knew His secrets because they believed and did His will at all time.

    The cleric said: “Noah and his family were the only people saved from destruction when God destroyed the world with water because he listened to and adhered to the instructions of God. Because of Abraham’s faith and righteousness, he is today known as the father of faith because he listened and followed the instructions of God.

    “Goliath was insulting and abusing the God of Israelites because he prided on the powers of the pseudo-gods of the Philistines among others. The Israelites were all afraid to confront him. But it took the courage of a man like David to confront Goliath and bring him to his knees.

    “David did not kill their enemy at that time because of his might, but because he depended and trusted in God. Even when Saul was after his life, he still refused killing a man God has anointed to rule over Israel because he fears God.”

    While urging members of his church to renounce their evil ways and eschew deceit and cheating in their ways of lives, he advised them to deploy their resources in the propagation of the Gospel of God, stressing that he had not seen anyone who was committed to the work of God that was forsaken by God.

    He also cautioned against division in the church, pointing out that the church would achieve a lot when the congregation come together to fight a common cause.

    In an interview, the chairman of Men’s Fellowship of the church Ibo Road Station, Mr. Christian Madukwem said they carefully chose the theme for this year’s celebration.

    He revealed that the theme “Noble Father” was carefully chosen to remind men of the importance of their places in the family, adding that many men are found wanting today because they have entrusted such responsibility to women.

    Madukwem further urged Christian fathers to live exemplary lifestyles which their children would emulate. This, he said, should not only be exhibited only in their families and the church, but in other places of endeavour where they are expected to show exemplary leadership.

    Earlier in an address Mr. Emeka Enemor urged men to love their wives as Christ loves the Church, be a role model to their children, family and the society at large, avoid cursing their children; but speak good fortunes and God’s blessings to them at all times and also to emulate the good virtues and footsteps of their leaders in the church. He added that their failure to do so would translate to their reaping the negative rewards of their actions later in life.

    “Therefore, fathers will bear the accountability–the consequences for failing to carry it out or even the rewards for doing so. Let us never forget, ‘it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrew 10:31),’” Mr. Enemor stated.

    Highlights of the event were special thanksgiving, song/drama and presentation of gift items to 10 indigent members of the church by the men’s fellowship.

  • Christians, Muslims unite in Jos to demand release of Chibok girls

    Christians, Muslims unite in Jos to demand release of Chibok girls

    A concerned group of Christians and Muslims in Jos, Plateau State have called for caution in seeking external help in the search for the secondary school students abducted by the Boko Haram sect from Chibok, Borno State.

    While the group believes that support from other countries may not be a problem in itself, cautioned that it should “never be at the expense of territorial integrity and national interest.”

    The group made the remarks while unveiling billboards containing names of the over 200 abducted girls in Jos yesterday.

    According to a communique read by a member of the Christian/Muslim group, Uztaz Umar Farouk, “this concerned group also identifies with the pains and grief of the parents and relations of the Chibok girls. We affirm that these innocent girls have the right to freedom of association, religion and education.”

    The group suggested that “the security agencies should foster a harmonious working relationship and continue to build trust and confidence within their ranks and files.

    “The Federal and Borno State governments should work in tandem for the safe return of the girls.

    “The Federal Government should as a matter of urgency ensure that all sympathisers, sponsors and supporters of insurgency and terrorism within the security agencies are fished out and prosecuted publicly to increase the confidence and security of our men and officers, as well as the general citizenry.

    “That the safe schools initiative be implemented without delay and mediated through agencies with a track record of transparency and high performance.

    The group, which went round strategic locations in the city to mount the billboards, offered special prayers for the safe release of the abducted girls.

  • ‘Northern governors persecuting Christians’

    The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) President, Rev Jeremiah Gado, has alleged that northern governors are persecuting Christians  by restricting their freedom of worship.

    Speaking in Umuahia when he led a delegation to visit Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, Gado said Christians in the North were being denied their rights to practise their faith.

    The ECWA president, who was on pastoral visit to the ECWA district in Umuahia, lamented that the policy of stifling Christians was so entrenched and pervasive in the North that governors refuse to give them certificates of occupancy to build places of worship.

    He said: “Even when we want to buy land from private individuals they (governors) make them  sign undertakings not to sell land to build churches.”

    The cleric pleaded with  Orji, who is also the chairman of Southeast Governors Forum (SEGF) to persuade his northern counterparts to start treating Christians well.

    Gado praised the governor for the infrastructural development in Abia and for standing by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying the nation must be built on strong values, not on lies and deceptions”.

    Orji regretted the security challenges confronting the nation due to the insurgents, saying that “nothing disturbs a leader like when he cannot guarantee the peace and security of the people”.

    The governor condemned the politicisation of the insurgency in the Northeast, which was why protesters have been venting their anger at the Presidency, when they should be staging protests in the affected states to prompt the governors to action.

  • Pray for Nigeria, Northern governors urge Christians

    The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has urged Christians to use the Easter celebrations to pray for the quick resolution of the security challenges confronting the nation.

    The forum also charged Nigerians to work together to end to the senseless killing of defenceless citizens in the country, especially in the northern region.

    Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu on Saturday in a statement issued in Minna called on Nigerians to be mindful of the need to continue to work for peace which underscores the essence of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

    In the statement signed by Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, the forum said terrorism was alien to our culture and urged all to team up against it.

    The forum also urged Christians to imbibe the ideals of perseverance, sacrifice and commitment to the will of God which characterized the Lenten season.

    The forum then congratulated Christians and all Nigerians who are alive to witness this year’s Easter, reminding the faithful that “we are alive today only by God’s grace and favor and not that we are in any way special before the almighty.”

    The statement reiterated the need for Nigerians to pray for and work towards peace, stability and progress of Nigeria, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to support their leaders at all levels for the benefit of all.

    The forum wished Nigerians memorable Easter celebrations.

  • Let’s work together, Uche pleads with Christians, Muslims

    Christians and Muslims must learn to tolerate one another and collaborate for national development, Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Uche, has stated.

    He said all the different religious groups need one another, stating that none can exist on its way.

    Uche spoke last week at a media parley ahead of the city wide crusade of the Archdiocesan of Lagos billed for April 10-11.

    Stressing that Nigeria belongs to all, the prelate stated that those working towards imposition of any particular religion in parts of the country are misguided and misinformed.

    No religion, he stressed, can survive on its own.

    Uche also berated those beating the war drums, dismissing them as myopic and novice.

    War, he explained, cannot solve anything but will only bring more sorrow to Nigerians.

    According to him: “There is so much insecurity in the country, massive unemployment and so much poverty.

    “We do not want anybody to put religious sentiments into these. There is the need to de-emphasis religion and tribal sentiments as a reason for fomenting trouble in the country.

    “So we are appealing to both Christians and Muslims to come together and cohabit peacefully.”

    Uche challenged Nigerians, irrespective of their religious and tribal sentiments, to condemn the activities of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

    He said: “Boko Haram is evil. We must all as a nation rise up to condemn the sect and also pray fervently for the peace and progress of the country.”

    He crusade, according to him, is aimed at praying for the nation and empowering Nigerians through the initiatives of the Prelate’s family NGO-Care and Touch Foundation.

    He assured that free medical screening would be available from 2pm daily during the crusade aside from the spiritual blessings.

  • Christians begin lent

    Today is Ash Wednesday. The day marks the beginning of the 40 days fasting period for Christians all over the world.

    Catholics also receive Ashes on their foreheads, a sign that they are but mere mortals. The season is also for mortification and self-denial and faithful have been urged to lead holy lives during the season.

     

  • Clerics urge pilgrims to be good ambassadors

    The former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Southeast zone, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, has hailed the completion and use of the Pilgrims Terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

    The bishop of Enugu Diocese of the Anglican Communion, spoke to reporters in Enugu at the weekend, after the ceremonies to mark the departure of Anambra pilgrims to Israel that the airport had become an international one.

    He said: “We are happy that our pilgrims are travelling from Akanu Ibiam Airport. This is the fourth state. The first state we packaged from here was Abia, the next one was Ebonyi, the third was Enugu. Anambra is now being packaged for the Easter pilgrimage and we are happy that the Atlas Jet is taking them from Akanu Ibiam Airport, making this place an international airport.

    “We are hoping that the pilgrims will be good ambassadors and will allow the pilgrimage to go through them so that they can be transformed. We hope they will be transformed to be better Christians and influence others.

    “We thank the Southeast governors for what they have done to make sure that this year’s pilgrimage is a success. We pray it will continue.”

    The Federal Commissioner, Nigeria Christians Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rev. Zion Solomon Ibenye, described the launch of the Easter pilgrimage as superb, noting that everything went as planned.

    “Federal Government is committed to the project and the state governments in the Southeast are also committed,” he said.

    Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, performed the launching.

    Addressing the pilgrims before their departure, the Executive Secretary of (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara, thanked the President for allowing the pilgrims to be be flown fromAkanu Ibiam International Airport.

    The Primate of the Anglican Communion, who also chairs the NCPC, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, prayed for those who made the pilgrimage possible.

  • Jonathan prays

    Jonathan prays

    By his church pilgrimages and sermons of surrender, the president is distracting attention from a corrupt and lazy administration

    Watch and pray’ is a biblical injunction that most Christians and those familiar with the Bible know. Some will say it is ‘work and pray’. In either case, the admonition is not only to pray but to either watch and pray, or work and pray. But, President Goodluck Jonathan appears comfortable with only the aspect having to do with prayers alone and has been recommending this as solution to the country’s multifarious problems. He did it at a church service last year. He repeated the charge again at a service held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Olive Parish,

    Lagos, when he said that the country would have been on the road to perdition but for prayers.

    According to him, it is the prayers that have mitigated the crises that would have been the country’s lot, especially concerning the ceaseless Boko Haram attacks. Indeed, he said, with an air of fatalism, that “God knows it all”, meaning that God allows all these things to happen. The implication of this is that what would happen would happen, and that there is nothing anybody, including himself as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, can do about it. God, he said, has a reason for our problems which he forgot to say were mostly man-made. Hence, he thinks that without prayers, the situation in Nigeria would probably have been worse than it is. In order to cool our tempers, he admonished us to wait for God to turn our situation around with prayers and fasting.

    What our President should know is that no nation can live in sin and expect God’s blessings to abound. This is probably why the Bible says “righteousness exalts a nation,” and so must be its leaders. Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural and human resources that are being wasted daily. Is this the will or work of God? Is it God or Nigerian leadership that caused our oil wealth to be regularly stolen by politicians and government officials? In practical terms, what has the president done to alleviate the plight of the poor, like the workers, pensioners that we watch die of hunger daily? What has the president done to alleviate the general suffering of those he is supposed to care and cater for if indeed God was responsible for his election as President of the country? If Prayers alone would do, why is it that the situation in the country is getting worse by the day despite the prayers being said in many of our churches and mosques? How do you explain the reason why our prayers for peace in the North are usually followed the next day and the day after by horrendous killings by the Boko Haram sect? Unfortunately, most of our revered clergymen have not been bold enough to tell the President the home truth; instead, they encourage him by telling him what he wants to hear, that the future of Nigeria is bright whether or not he rules in accordance to the rule of God.

    Apparently, the reason for the President’s nonchalance and impunity is the unparallel docility of Nigerians in the face of tribulation caused by successive governments. Stealing and other acts of impunity flourish in this country because ours is an incurably docile community, unlike other places where government impunity and failures are greeted with instant mass reactions. Docility in Nigeria has led to what the Late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti aptly described as ‘suffering and smiling’. This precisely is what the country’s leadership has been taking advantage of to wreck the nation by allowing a few people to corner for themselves our God-given wealth while others suffer in silence.

    You cannot preach for prosperity and at the same time steal what belongs to the people. Neither can you preach or pray for peace and be beating the drums of war as President Jonathan has been doing through some of his actions and policies. To even say that the situation would have been worse without prayers is to ask us to beat our chests that Nigeria has not disintegrated or has not been treated like Sodom and Gomorrah as a result of sins for which the cities were completely destroyed through the wrath of God.

    Mr. President, prayers are not what Nigeria needs to solve its many problems. What we need are righteous and correct actions, adherence to due process, transparency, accountability and good governance. It is only when all these are in place that prayers become meaningful. The bottom line is – work, watch and pray,

    In the final analysis, President Jonathan’s call for prayers when action is needed is an admission of failure; it is also an abdication of responsibility. Nigerians voted him to lead and lead aright; and not to sermonise. It would even have been a different ballgame if he practices what he preaches. His conduct does not portray him as one who believes in prayers because prayers will hardly get answered in the kind of corrupt environment that the country is today.