AUCHI 2024 CBCN COMMUNIQUE

AUCHI 2024 CBCN COMMUNIQUE
Summary and Action Points
By CSN Media

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) issued a communiqué following their Second Plenary Meeting, held from August 22-30, 2024, at Nezer Towers and Suites in Auchi Diocese. The communiqué focused on a year dedicated to prayer and repentance, with emphasis on spiritual renewal leading up to the Jubilee Year of Hope in 2025. Key issues addressed include the need for adherence to liturgical norms, concerns about private ministries, and various national challenges like economic hardship, debt, multiple taxation, and food insecurity. The communiqué also highlights the Church’s role in education and healthcare and welcomes recent appointments within the Church.

**Action Points:**

1. **Year of Prayer and Repentance:**
– Engage in prayer and reflection throughout 2024.
– Undertake personal and communal repentance to prepare for the Jubilee Year of Hope 2025.

2. **Respect for the Liturgy:**
– Adhere strictly to liturgical norms and practices.
– Avoid deviations such as inappropriate elements during worship or unapproved modifications of sacraments.

3. **Addressing Private Ministries:**
– Ensure any new ministries align with Church authority and regulations.
– Avoid unorthodox practices and maintain unity within the Church.

4. **National Concerns:**
– **Economic Reforms:** Advocate for policies that alleviate the burden of debt and inflation on citizens.
– **Taxation:** Support efforts to harmonize taxes and reduce multiple taxation on businesses.
– **Food Security:** Promote and support initiatives aimed at improving agricultural productivity and food security.

5. **Government Accountability:**
– Urge government officials to address corruption, reduce living costs, and ensure transparency in governance.
– Support peaceful protests as a constitutional right while condemning violence and undue force by security operatives.

6. **Church Contributions:**
– Seek government support for Catholic educational and healthcare institutions.
– Advocate for regular financial subsidies to enhance the Church’s ability to serve the public.

7. **General Call to Action:**
– Continue prayers for Nigeria’s recovery and commit to genuine repentance.
– Support efforts for a national reorientation towards truth and integrity.