June 19, 2025
News Nigeria

Nostra Aetate @60: Celebrating Faith, Friendship, Fellowship, Catholic, Muslim Youths Fraternize

By PJ Usanga

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration “Nostra Aetate,” the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) partnered with the Ufuk Dialogue Foundation, Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC), and Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN), to organize an interactive gathering between Catholic and Muslim youths. The event, themed “After 60 years: A journey of discovering dialogue and friendship,” took place at the Children’s Park and Zoo Garden in Abuja on June 5, 2025.

The Director, Department of Mission and Dialogue at CSN, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue among young people, stating, “This gathering is an opportunity for young people to come together… to recognize that we are one.” He added that the forum would enable youths to understand that “the other person is just like myself.”

Giving an historical account of “Nostra Aetate,” the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC), Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, noted that the declaration promoted dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He stressed that the document calls on people to “continue to share a common humanity” and recognize that “we are all worshipping the common God.”

The Executive Director of Ufuk Dialogue, Mr. Emrah Ilgen, emphasized the need for mutual respect to bring about peace in society. “There can be no peace without dialogue,” he said, congratulating CSN on the anniversary celebration. He urged participants to work together, adhering to the moral values of their respective religions, which he noted “all hold the same values.”

Missioner Samod Adeyemi from Al-habibiyyah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to partner with Christians, citing the Quran’s permission to collaborate with those who do not prohibit the practice of one’s religion. He congratulated CSN on the anniversary celebration.

Representative of the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN), Ekadoronye Ijeoma, highlighted the importance of interfaith collaboration for the common good. “Regardless of the difference in our religion, we can always come together to achieve a common good,” she said, announcing Caritas’ humanitarian work across states in the federation.

Nostra Aetate,” meaning “In Our Time,” is a key document of the Second Vatican Council, a gathering of Catholic bishops in 1962-1965. It’s a declaration on the Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions, emphasizing dialogue, respect, and shared humanity.

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