…See to the total unity of the Church of God in Nigeria, said the Anglican Prelate.
Acknowledging the consistency of the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria in providing insight and guidance on issues that border on bad governance, insecurity (including food insecurity), injustice, and extreme economic conditions in the country, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commends the Catholic prelates for their dedication and relentless service to the church and the Christian community in Nigeria.
In a goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the first 2024 plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the CAN President disclosed that the CBCN representatives in CAN bring competence that helps the association address issues of common concern in the body of Christ and the Nigerian society in general.
Commenting on the theme: Synod on Synodality: ‘Areas of concern for the Church in Nigeria,’ Archbishop Okoh observed that the focus is quite unique and interesting for those who follow the conversations in the Catholic Church for the purpose of learning and growth. He noted that the focus on widening the space of conversation, walking together, talking to and listening to one another, and to the Spirit of God as they carry out the great commission given by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:18–20 will no doubt make the church more inclusive.
Similarly, the Prelate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Henry Ndukaba, who was represented by Most Rev. Ali Buba Lamido in his goodwill message to the Catholic Bishops, disclosed that the Catholic Church has stood for ages defending and upholding the tenets of Christianity.
Reflecting on the theme of the plenary assembly, the Anglican Prelate noted that the unity of the Church is very important, irrespective of our diverse denominations, and appealed to the Catholic Bishops to see to the total unity of the Church of God in Nigeria.
The Prelate called on the Catholic Church to address the issue of hunger tormenting our nation and emphasized that if hunger is not addressed, we may not have a church anymore. He further appealed for a listening church that can take a stand in addressing issues affecting humanity and affirmed that the present challenges cannot swallow the originality of the church.