The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama has implored Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliation to promote peaceful coexistence of all and sundry in the country.
Kaigama made the call on Friday in Abuja shortly after a Special Mass celebration at the Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro Cathedral held as part of activities to mark the 2021 General Assembly of the Archbishops of Abuja dioceses.
The archbishop stressed that peace and security were paramount to sustain the unity of the country.
He said that Nigerians should maintain living in peace and should continue to be their brother’s keeper as security of the country was in the hands of everyone.
Kaigama charged Christians to continue playing their respective roles for the growth of the country.
He appealed to Nigerians not to promote crises through religion.
“Nigerians are being killed not Christians; it is not about a particular religion,” he said.
In his sermon, the Archbishop took the gospel reading from John 20:2, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me”.
He explained that God had given Christians authority over everything and the church was the light for the society to look up to.
“The church has the responsibilities to teach the society to move from conflict to communion.
“I urged Nigerians to always give thanks to God, who has continued to preserve the nation.
He urged Nigerians not to relent in praying for unity in the country.
The senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Nora Daduut in an interview with NAN assured Nigerians that women and the youths in the church were involved in preaching peace.
Daduut said it was the duties of mothers to heal the ills of the society, adding“ let us speak the language of love peace and oneness.’’
The event was attended by priests, religious organisations and societies as well as representatives of government.
Present at the event was the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume.
The theme of this year’s General Assembly is “Ministerial and Pastoral Collaboration” and it will feature deliberations on New Evangelism, Ecumenism, Inter-religious Dialogue, Justice and Peace, Communications, Liturgy, Health, Family and Youth Development.
The General Assembly ends on the Sept. 25, with closing Mass and issuance of communiqué. (NAN)