The Catholic Bishops of Nigeria have reiterated their commitment to speaking truth to power, refusing to keep silent in the face of wrongdoing and corruption.
In his homily at the ongoing 2024 second Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) plenary assembly in Auchi, Most Rev. John Ebebe Ayah, Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese, emphasized the need for the Church to stand up for truth and justice.
Bishop Ayah noted that the Church has a responsibility to speak out against evil and promote good, regardless of intimidations and threats. He urged the bishops and the lay faithful to remain courageous and steadfast in their commitment to truth and justice.
The bishop’s homily came on the heels of the CBCN President’s opening address, which highlighted the numerous challenges bedeviling Nigeria, including corruption, insecurity, and poverty.
Bishop Ayah who is also the Episcopal Chairman for the Laity, emphasized that the Church is not just a critic of government policies, but also a partner in nation-building. He encouraged Catholics in politics to speak up for truth and justice, and for the lay faithful to collaborate with the Church in promoting good governance.
The CBCN plenary assembly, which ends on Friday, with the departure of the bishops, is expected to issue a communiqué addressing the state of the nation and offering guidance to the government and Nigerians.
