By Terna Chikpa
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on the church to uphold the spirit of speaking the truth in order to maintain its independence.
Archbishop Kaigama spoke on Friday at a three-day ministerial conference organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Taraba State Chapter, held in Jalingo.
In a paper titled, “Practical Strategies for Sustainability in a Changing World,” the Catholic Archbishop insisted that the church was an independent institution, not only meant to preach the gospel of Christ but also to contribute to societal and human development.
According to him, speaking the truth whenever necessary would help maintain the respect accorded the church and further uphold its independence.
Meanwhile, Governor Agbu Kefas has called for stronger collaboration between the church and the state government in tackling societal vices and promoting speedy development across rural areas of the state.
In his paper titled, “The Church and the State: Restoring God’s Vision,” Governor Kefas said religious leaders were critical to efforts to restore moral values that could drive development.
He urged ministers of God to boldly speak against corruption, immorality and other vices in society.
He also appealed to religious leaders to always preach the gospel of unity among citizens, while urging youths involved in acts unacceptable by law to desist and embrace positive and developmental behaviours that would contribute to the progress of the state.
“Your role as religious leaders in the fight against social vices in our society is critical. I need your collaboration to win the fight, and I believe that every progressive-minded government will want to partner with you to achieve this.
“Your daily interaction with our young people gives you an edge over everyone. You know what they want at the appropriate time. What we want is development, and that cannot happen when all forms of social vices are being perpetrated by our youths,” Governor Kefas stated.
Earlier, the CAN Chairman, Taraba State Chapter, Rev. Dr. Williams Awoshiri, said that although the church and government had distinct responsibilities, they both needed to collaborate for the common good.
He urged political office holders to uphold integrity, justice and accountability, and always promote peace regardless of tribal or political differences.
