Preamble
As the Catholic Theological Association of Nigeria (CATHAN), gathered for our 39th Annual Conference and 40th Anniversary Celebration, we, a diverse assembly of bishops, theologians, clergy, religious, and lay scholars, were united in our scholarly pursuit and pastoral commitment to understanding “Theology and Contemporary Approaches to Religion in Nigeria.” Honoured by the presence and insightful contributions of His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, a founding member, and our gracious Chief Host, His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of Benin City, our conference fostered prayerful deliberation, rigorous theological engagement, and profound fraternal communion. Having engaged in these reflections, we now issue this communiqué as a testament to our shared insights and resolutions.
Approaches to Religion in Nigeria Today
We recognise the complex religious landscape in Nigeria, marked by the resurgence of African Traditional Religion (ATR), the persistence of Pentecostalism, double religious allegiance, bad practice of Religion and prosperity gospel. We examined the prosperity gospel, often linked to Pentecostalism, questioning its theological and ethical implications. The multifaceted and dynamic nature of Nigerian religiosity calls on our collective responsibility for informed, critical, and transformative engagement that promotes the holistic well-being of the nation.
The Necessity of Deeper Study into Religious Approaches in Nigeria
We recognize the urgent necessity for a deeper, multi-disciplinary, and contextually grounded study of the diverse approaches to religion in Nigeria. Acknowledging that responses to (ATR), Christianity, and Islam are often influenced by historical wounds, cultural memory, theological presumptions, and socio-political interests, we call for holistic scholarship that transcends polemics or mere apologetics. This deeper study must be integral to theological formation, equipping leaders to discern the profound spiritual, ethical, and socio-cultural currents shaping religious life in Nigeria today.
Equipping the Faithful and Deepening Evangelization in a Religiously Plural Nigeria
We recognise the urgent need to equip the faithful with a deep understanding of Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape, given the challenges of syncretism, religious commodification, and fluid conversions. Critical religious literacy and doctrinal clarity, rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and Nigerian Christian wisdom, are essential. We decry superficial faith and dual allegiances that undermine Christian discipleship, advocating for a holistic evangelization engaging intellect, morality, and culture. Of particular concern is the distortion of theology by prosperity Gospel, which we counter with a Christian ethic of wealth based on justice, hard work, and communal well-being, demanding both personal conversion and systemic reform.
Contextualizing Theological Formation for Today’s Nigeria
Informed by the imperative for a more profound evangelization, we emphasize the urgent need to reimagine theological formation within the vibrant context of lived African religious experiences. We propose inclusive curricula that engage the complexities of religious pluralism head-on, integrating ATR and Christianity not as antithetical systems but as potential wellsprings of theological insight. This reimagined formation will equip future Church leaders, especially those serving in missionary and formative roles, to engage Nigerian religiosity with both critical acumen and profound respect, remaining steadfast in orthodox doctrine while achieving pastoral relevance within an increasingly pluralistic African society. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the spiritual landscape and empowers effective intercultural and interreligious dialogue.
Authentic Multi-religious Dialogue and Education
In light of the diverse religious approaches observed in Nigeria, we affirm the indispensable necessity of authentic multi-religious dialogue and ecumenism. Recognizing the distinct theological and social frameworks of African Traditional Religion, Pentecostalism, Neopaganism, the prosperity gospel, and established Christianity, including Catholicism, we underscore the imperative for mutual understanding, respectful engagement, and collaborative learning.
The Church’s Apostolate for Family Stability in Nigeria
In addressing the diverse religious landscape of Nigeria, we recognize the crucial role of religion in fostering family stability through its provision of a moral compass, promotion of peace and forgiveness, and aid in cultural preservation. We affirm that marital stability necessitates both parental upbringing and the intervening influence of religion, particularly within Nigeria’s socio-cultural context. Consequently, we highlight the Church’s apostolate in bolstering family stability, advocating for a critical reassessment of catechetical tools and doctrinal reformulations to counter religious abuses that destabilize families.
Resolutions
In the spirit of prayerful discernment and theological dialogue, and cognizant of the exigencies presented by the diverse religious landscape of contemporary Nigeria, we, the Catholic Theological Association of Nigeria, hereby make the following resolutions:
Intensify Interdisciplinary Study
We will prioritize and promote deeper, interdisciplinary, and contextually grounded research into the diverse religious approaches operative in Nigeria, fostering a theology of encounter that transcends polemics and informs interreligious dialogue, community engagement, and the pursuit of peace and justice.
Enhance Faithful Formation
We commit to equipping the faithful with critical religious literacy and doctrinal clarity, grounded in Scripture, Tradition, and Nigerian Christian wisdom, to navigate the challenges of syncretism, religious commodification, and fluid religious identities, while fostering a renewed ethical vision of Christian discipleship rooted in humility, solidarity, and prophetic witness.
Reimagine Theological Formation
We will advocate for and contribute to the reimagining of theological formation curricula for evangelisation to inclusively engage the complexities of religious pluralism, integrating African Traditional Religions (ATR) and Christianity as potential sources of theological insight in houses of formation and tertiary institutions, thereby equipping future leaders for effective intercultural and interreligious dialogue in an increasingly pluralistic Nigerian society.
Champion Authentic Interreligious Dialogue
Recognizing the distinct theological and social frameworks of the various religious approaches in Nigeria, we resolve to actively foster authentic interreligious dialogue and ecumenism, emphasizing mutual understanding, respectful engagement, religious tolerance and collaborative learning as crucial for social cohesion and the promotion of the common good.
Strengthen the Church’s Apostolate for Families
We resolve to bolster the Church’s apostolate for family stability within Nigeria’s diverse religious context by advocating for a critical reassessment of catechetical tools and doctrinal reformulations that counter religious abuses destabilizing families, prioritize core religious tenets of love, respect, and forgiveness, and promote upgraded pedagogical and catechetical content alongside necessary doctrinal upgrades to better support families.
Upholding Religious Tolerance and Mutual Acceptance
Deeply troubled by escalating religious violence in Nigeria, we, CATHAN, issue a prophetic call for genuine interreligious harmony, where the sanctity of life transcends sectarian divides. We demand full legal accountability for perpetrators of religiously motivated violence, ending impunity and complicity. We urge a radical commitment to justice, impartial rule of law, and protection for all citizens, irrespective of faith. Affirming that religions should unite, we resolve to actively promote a deep conversion of hearts, reject extremism, and foster unified commitment among leaders and citizens towards tolerance, mutual acceptance, and shared citizenship, ensuring the inherent dignity of every Nigerian is defended. Enough is enough; we tirelessly advocate for peace founded on justice and respect.
A Word of Condolence and Commitment
With firm faith in the resurrection, we join the Universal Church in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, on Easter Monday, 21st April 2025. We give thanks to God for the gift of his life, his pontificate, and his courageous witness to the Gospel in our time. In this moment of solemn transition, we reaffirm our fidelity to the Holy Mother Church and to the successor of St. Peter. We pledge to carry forward the theological and pastoral legacy of the late Holy Father with renewed zeal and fidelity.
Conclusion
As we conclude our 39th Annual Conference and commemorate our 40th anniversary, we offer our collective reflections as a contribution towards a more theologically informed, ethically grounded, and pastorally effective engagement with the contemporary religious landscape of Nigeria. Trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves anew to the vital task of theological inquiry and service, striving to be instruments of liberation and hope in a nation yearning for truth, justice, and peace. We commend our endeavours to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church and Our Lady Queen of Nigeria.
Issued this 25th day of April, in the Year of Our Lord 2025, at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Rev. Fr. Prof. Luke Emehiele Ijezie
President, Catholic Theological Association of Nigeria (CATHAN)
Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Ngwoke
Secretary, Catholic Theological Association of Nigeria (CATHAN)
