The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has described the 50th anniversary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as an opportunity for religious leaders to strengthen national unity and promote peaceful coexistence.
The Council said this on Wednesday in a congratulatory message to CAN and the Christian community in Nigeria on the association’s golden anniversary.
The statement, signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility of religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence.
It noted that Nigeria had passed through various challenges and difficult moments, during which religious leaders and institutions continued to play important roles in promoting peace, dialogue and mutual understanding among the country’s diverse peoples and faith communities.
The council emphasised the importance of relations between Muslims and Christians, noting that the two communities constituted the overwhelming majority of Nigeria’s population and shared the responsibility of promoting peace, justice, security, responsible citizenship and national development.
It said the challenges confronting the country, particularly injustice, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, social inequality and the need for accountable and responsive governance, required the collective efforts of all Nigerians.
The NSCIA also stressed the importance of sustained interfaith dialogue and cooperation, and commended platforms that enabled leaders of the two faith communities to engage constructively on issues affecting the peace, unity and development of Nigeria.
It specifically acknowledged the role of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in facilitating such engagements.
The council maintained that religious differences should not be allowed to become sources of division, hatred or violence, adding that the respective faiths should continue to inspire justice, compassion, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.
It congratulated CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; the National Executive Committee; Christian denominations and associations under its umbrella; and Christians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on the milestone.
