AN OPENING ADDRESS AT THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF NOSTRA AETATE DECLARATION, AT THE CATHOLIC SECRETARIAT OF NIGERIA ON 05 JUNE 2025 BY REV. FR. MICHAEL BANJO SECRETARY GENERAL

AN OPENING ADDRESS AT THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF NOSTRA AETATE DECLARATION, AT THE CATHOLIC SECRETARIAT OF NIGERIA ON
05 JUNE 2025
BY
REV. FR. MICHAEL BANJO
SECRETARY GENERAL

On behalf of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and the entire Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you to this historic event commemorating the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. We are honoured to host you here at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.

Promulgated on 28 October 1965 during the Second Vatican Council, Nostra Aetate, meaning – “In Our Time” – was a short yet ground-breaking document that marked a turning point in the Church’s relationship with people of other religions. It recognises our shared humanity and affirms God’s providential presence in the rich diversity of religious traditions across the world. In place of indifference, suspicion or hostility, the Church calls for dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration in addressing the common challenges facing humanity.

The theme of this year’s commemoration, 60 Years of Nostra Aetate: A Journey of Discovery, Dialogue, and Friendship, beautifully captures the spirit of this document and its ongoing relevance. Over the past six decades, it has guided us on a journey of learning to see one another not as adversaries, but as fellow pilgrims in search of truth, partners in building peace, and friends across religious lines.

Today, we gather to commemorate this historic milestone. This is not just a moment to celebrate our progress but also a time to honestly examine where we have fallen short, and to commit to more practical steps for greater understanding and cooperation. It is deeply meaningful that this celebration is being co-hosted by three distinct faith-based partners. First, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, through the Mission and Dialogue Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria and Caritas Nigeria. Second, Ufuk Dialogue, representing our Muslim brothers and sisters. And third, the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), a platform that brings together people of different faiths for national dialogue. This gathering itself is a living symbol of the kind of partnership we want to see across Nigeria.

Nostra Aetate acknowledges that other religions, such as Islam and Judaism also search for answers to life’s great questions. While these answers may be partial, the Church recognises what is true and holy in them, and especially appreciates the faith and devotion of Muslims (NA §2). We are all on a journey—a shared pilgrimage—in search of truth, meaning, and peace. What unites us is greater than what divides us: we believe in one God, the Creator of all. This one God is called by many names—Olodumare, Chukwu, Allah, Ubangiji, Deus, Yahweh—and is worshipped in different ways according to the cultures we come from.

I have had personal experiences that reaffirm the message of Nostra Aetate. During a visit to Istanbul, I was walking from my hotel to the Hagia Sophia and stopped to ask for directions. The man I approached was a Muslim, selling items at a small kiosk along the road. As soon as I spoke, he paused, went into his kiosk, and returned—not with a map, but with a sweet for me. Only then did he proceed to explain the way. He saw I was a Christian, clearly marked by my Roman collar. Yet, perceiving me first as a fellow human being, a guest in his city, he showed me warmth, generosity, and genuine hospitality. It was a simple act, but deeply moving. And only a few weeks ago, I was in Dakar, Senegal, where Muslims make up about 95% of the population. Christians are an absolute minority. Yet I witnessed peaceful coexistence, visible respect, and neighbourly harmony between both faiths.

Such encounters are not isolated. They echo the spirit of Nostra Aetate, a spirit beautifully embodied by Mr Emrah Ilgen of Ufuk Dialogue. Though a devout Muslim living in Nigeria, he travelled to attend both the funeral of Pope Francis and the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, demonstrating not only profound respect for the Catholic Church but also a sincere commitment to interfaith friendship. He has been a consistent and valued friend of the Church, and we deeply appreciate this enduring relationship.

These stories and gestures speak to something larger: Nostra Aetate is not merely a Church document. It is a lived reality, a global invitation to embrace the other across religious lines. In today’s world, where religion often intersects with politics and international affairs, inter-religious dialogue is no longer optional, it is essential. It must become a vital component of global diplomacy, fostering peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation in a world torn by ideological and sectarian conflicts. We long to see such attitudes flourish everywhere in Nigeria, in Africa, and across the globe.
Nigeria is richly blessed with religious diversity. But this gift can become a threat if it is not managed with wisdom, respect, and justice. This conference is a welcome development, showing that peace is possible when we listen to one another and work together. Islam is known as a religion of peace, and the Bible calls Christians to seek the welfare of the places they live (Jer 29:7). All our religions invite us to use our faith to build a better society, not to divide it. We must never forget our shared humanity.

Nostra Aetate ends with a clear message: no one should be treated badly because of their race, culture, or religion. All people are children of God and deserve to live in peace. But today, we still see violence, discrimination, and even killings falsely done in the name of God. It is heartbreaking when leaders, whether religious or political, fail to condemn such acts, or worse, give them silent support. In a country that claims to be secular, this should never happen.

This conference is not just about talking. It is a call to action. We are challenged to be the “voice of the voiceless” and “help of the helpless.” We must be leaders who restore the dignity of religion in Nigeria and reject its misuse for selfish or violent ends. Let us commit to working together, across religious boundaries, for peace, justice, and the protection of human life. Let us care for the earth, our common home. Let us defend the dignity of every human being, seek justice for victims of religious violence, and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.
Once again, I welcome you warmly to this celebration of our religious diversity. May our unity in diversity be a sign of hope for Nigeria, and may we rise from this conference ready to make a real and lasting impact.

Thank you for your kind attention.