By Samson Adeyanju
Addressing the role of the Church amid insecurity challenges in Nigeria, the Catholic Church has emphasized that the church is saddled with moral formation and conscience development and not fighting insecurity.
Acknowledging the escalating insecurity challenges in the country during the fourth annual media pally held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Fr Banjo explained that government’s primary duty is to ensure security of lives and property, even as he stressed the Church’s role in advocating for moral truths.
He added the Church appeals to consciences through preaching and dialogue.
Fr. Banjo highlighted the Church’s ongoing prayers for the nation and its efforts to engage with authorities to fulfill their responsibilities, while underscoring the importance of family in addressing societal issues, emphasizing the collective responsibility of all individuals in nurturing and guiding future generations away from criminal activities.
Noting the limitations of the Church in direct intervention, Fr. Banjo emphasized the critical role of moral and spiritual guidance in navigating Nigeria’s security challenges.
Standing in for the Secretary General of CSN, Very Rev. Fr Zachariah Samjumi, the Deputy Secretary General, Rev. Michael Banjo addressed the press today on various matters concerning the Church’s involvement in national affairs.
The briefing highlighted the upcoming plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), scheduled from February 16 to 23, with a focus on synodality and national unity.
Synodality, he described as a process of fraternal collaboration and discernment, aims to foster dialogue and communion within the Church and the nation at large.
The Deputy Secretary General urged journalists and citizens to engage in sincere dialogue to promote the dignity of the human person and address the challenges facing the country, including ethnic and religious divides.
Emphasizing the importance of the event, the National Director, Directorate of Social Communications at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Mike Umoh highlighted the critical role of media outlets in reporting Church’s activities and conveying its message to the public.
He expressed gratitude for their collaboration and outlined key concerns and events planned by the Catholic bishops in Nigeria for the year ahead.
With a call for unity and collaboration, Fr. Umoh concluded his address, expressing hope for fruitful outcomes from the gathering.
Responding to inquiries about the Church’s actions amidst Nigeria’s challenges, Fr. Nomwhange affirmed the significance of addressing societal issues and the Church’s active involvement in conscience formation.
He echoed Fr. Banjo’s sentiments on the importance of moral guidance and emphasized the Church’s role in nurturing conscience, essential for combating issues like corruption.
Fr. Nomwhange underscored the Church’s stance on accountability, stressing the need for those implicated in corruption to face legal consequences to curb such practices effectively.
Further, he addressed concerns regarding the involvement of religious bodies in criminal activities, advocating for transparency and accountability in addressing such matters. He also revealed the Church’s efforts in supporting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, emphasizing the crucial role of organizations like the Catholic Caritas in providing assistance.
