The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Gombe State on Wednesday announced its non-participation in the 2025 Christmas Rally organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), citing years of alleged marginalisation, lack of inclusiveness and failure of leadership within the Christian umbrella body.
The decision was jointly taken by the ECWA Gombe District Church Council (DCC) and the ECWA Gombe West District Church Council (DCC) and communicated in a statement obtained by our correspondent.
According to the statement obtained by our correspondent, all ECWA churches, institutions and members within the Gombe metropolis have been directed to withdraw from the rally and all CAN-related Christmas activities for the 2025 season.
Chairman of ECWA Gombe West DCC, Rev. Sa’idu Kwari, Chairman of ECWA Gombe DCC, Rev. Dr Adamu Dauda, said the decision followed years of prayer, consultations and unresolved concerns.
“This decision is neither emotional nor impulsive. It is the outcome of sustained reflection and growing concern over the persistent neglect and marginalisation of ECWA members within CAN activities and representations in Gombe State,” ECWA said.
ECWA further alleged that CAN leadership failed to provide tangible support to ECWA members who were victims of past violent incidents in parts of the state, noting that many affected families remain unattended to till date.
The church also criticised what it described as the exclusion of ECWA from meaningful government interventions, relief efforts and advocacy processes conducted through CAN structures, despite being a major stakeholder in the association.
ECWA said the continued pattern of silence and selective engagement had eroded trust.
“Despite our contributions and commitment to Christian unity, ECWA has continued to experience exclusion from critical engagements. This has deeply tested the patience and goodwill of our members,” the statement stated.
As part of the resolution, ECWA announced that no church premises or facilities under its control will be used to host or support any CAN Christmas-related activity this year.
The leadership explained that the withdrawal was aimed at protecting the unity, conscience and safety of its members.
“We are committed to principled Christian witness, not symbolic participation without substance,” the statement added.
In place of the Christmas rally, ECWA encouraged its local churches to adopt a community-based Christmas engagement, including goodwill visits to traditional rulers and local community leaders, as well as prayers and peace messages at the grassroots level.
The church said the approach reflects its belief that Christian witness should be demonstrated through meaningful relationships and peace-building rather than public displays.
ECWA reaffirmed its commitment to the unity of the Body of Christ, stressing that such unity must be built on justice, fairness, accountability and love.
The church urged its members to remain calm, law-abiding and prayerful throughout the Christmas season, expressing hope that the decision would encourage reflection and reforms within CAN leadership.
