The 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration “Nostra Aetate” was celebrated on June 5, 2025, at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Resource Centre. With the theme “After 60 years: A journey of discovering dialogue and friendship,” the event brought together esteemed religious leaders, scholars, and stakeholders.
In his Keynote Address, the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Dami Mamza, emphasized the significance of Nostra Aetate in fostering Muslim-Christian friendship. He stated, “We are gathered here not only to commemorate a milestone but to reaffirm a relationshipโone rooted in shared values, nurtured by dialogue, and sustained by mutual respect and trust.”
The bishop pointed out the document’s impact on interfaith relations, noting that it “marked a significant turning point in the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions, particularly Islam and Judaism.” He also acknowledged the challenges of their time, saying, “We live in an age when religion is too often manipulated to justify violence, and when fear of the other is fanned into flames of division.”
In another Keynote Address, the Director of Research and Training at the Dawah Institute of Nigeria and the Assistant General Secretary of Islamic Education Trust (IET), Minna, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Nuruddeen Lemu, praised the document, saying, “The Nostra Aetate is the first document by the Catholic Church that the Muslim community agrees to entirely.” He emphasized the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives, stating, “How we understand is critical to how we view each other.”
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, stressed the need for interfaith cooperation, saying, “Religion shouldn’t be a barrier among us. Religion can do so much good and harm to Nigeria depending on how best we practice it.” He added, “We need each other in Nigeria to grow.”
The Father of the Day, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, noted that Nostra Aetate “turned the Catholic Church forward” and suggested that the document, which is mandatorily taught in all Catholic seminaries, should be extended to other training institutions for pastors and Islamic clerics.
Welcoming all to the CSN premises for the celebration, the CSN Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, warmly welcomed participants to the historic event. He highlighted the significance of Nostra Aetate, noting that it marked a turning point in the Church’s relationship with people of other religions, emphasizing dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration.
The event was hosted by the CSN in partnership with Ufuk Dialogue, the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), and the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN). It had in attendance the Honourable Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, NASS, Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, as the Guest of Honour, represented by Hon. Dr. Jerry Uhor, Senior Special Assistant to the Speaker on Policy Development; the Ambassador of France to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Marc Fonbaustier, represented by Mr. Bertrand De Marignan, Political and Press Advisor to the Embassy of France in Nigeria and ECOWAS; the Chief Rabbi of Nigeria – Chabad Nigeria, Rabbi Israel Uzan; the Executive Secretary of NIREC, Rev. Fr. Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua; the Secretary General of RECOWA, Abuja, Rev. Fr. Vitalis Anaehobi; the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu; the Director General, Office of Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), Presidency – Abuja, Dr Chris Ngwodo; students of Regina Pacis Secondary School, Garki-Abuja; and students of FranGreg Academy, Police Housing Estate, Kurudu-Abuja.
“Nostra Aetate,” meaning “In Our Time,” is a key document of the Second Vatican Council. It is a declaration on the Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions, emphasizing dialogue, respect, and shared humanity.
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