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From Sylvanus Viashima, Taraba
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Taraba State Chapter, on Friday launched a N10 billion fund for the reconstruction of a 5,000-capacity auditorium in Jalingo, with a call for unity and greater collaboration between the Church, government and traditional institutions.
The launch was part of activities marking the end of a 3-day Ministers of the Gospel Conference held from 18th to 21st August at the CAN Secretariat, Jalingo.
The conference, with the theme, “The Role of the Church and the State in Advancing God’s Purpose in a Changing World”, drew Bishops, Pastors, CAN leaders, traditional rulers, politicians and national CAN leaders from across the 16 LGAs and 2 development areas of the state.
Declaring the fund open, the Chief Launcher and other dignitaries made generous donations toward the project, Organizers described the response as a success and said the new auditorium would serve as a unifying facility for Christians in the state.
In a communique signed by CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Williams P. Awoshiri, and Chairman of the Conference Working Committee, Bishop (Dr.) Innocent R. Solomon, JP. the conference resolved that nation-building requires shared values and joint responsibility between the Church and the State.
It noted that while government must provide security, justice and services, the Church has the moral duty to proclaim truth, defend human dignity and promote peace.
The conference also charged Christians in political office to see leadership as stewardship, citing biblical examples of Joseph, Daniel, Esther and Nehemiah, and urged the Church to raise believers who understand governance, economics, security and public administration.
It noted that denominational differences must not be allowed to cause division, and called on ministers to settle disputes and preach peaceful co-existence.
The communique further urged government to consult traditional rulers in policy making, and called for early conflict prevention mechanisms at the community level to address Taraba’s history of violent clashes.
“Nation-building is the process of developing a united, stable, and prosperous nation by promoting shared values identity, institutions, and development. Therefore, the Church has a spiritual and moral responsibility to proclaim the Gospel, provide guidance, defend human dignity, promote peace, care for the vulnerable, speak for those who have no voice, and encourage society to pursue righteousness and justice. The State, on the other hand, has the responsibility to protect citizens, uphold justice, provide essential services, create opportunities, maintain peace and security, develop infrastructure, and create conducive environment where people can live and prosper with dignity.
“The State has God’s given moral responsibility to promote peace, equity, justice, security, development and the welfare of the citizens; while the Church has a God’s given moral responsibility to proclaim the Gospel and the truth, defend human dignity, form conscience, promote peace, unity and reconciliation. Against this backdrop, the Church should function as a moral institution, whereas the State should exercise political authority through lawas, policies, and governing institutions. But play important roles in nation-building by fostering unity, shared values, peace, justice and social development. Both play important roles in nation-building by fostering unity, shared values, peace, justice and social development.
“Political office should never be viewed simply as a reward or an opportunity for personal advancement. Rather it should be understood as a responsibility entrusted for stewardship.
Drawing examples in the Scriptures of figures like Joseph who served in government and preserved nations during famine; Daniel served in government and retained his integrity; Esther entered the palace and used her influence to save lives, and Nehemiah became Governor and rebuilt a broken society.
“The Church should provide moral and ethical leadership without being becoming an instrument of partisan politics. The Church must not merely produce Christians who vote, but it must also produce Christians who can govern, who understand the dynamics of politics, who understand economics, who understand security, who understand law, who understand public administration, who understand Agriculture, who understand Technology, education, and diplomacy. Therefore, the Church must not only prepare people for Heaven, but also for responsible citizenship on earth.
“The Church and the State have different constitutional responsibilities, but both can contribute to the commom good of the citizens. Therefore, the relationship between the Church and the State should be based on constitutional independence, mutual respect and constructive cooperation. The Churvh should complement government programmes in education healthcare, poverty reduction, and peace building.
“There’s dire need for the Government to always consult and carry along the Traditional rulers while formulating policies affecting the citizens. The Traditional rulers are the custodians of the cultures of the people at the grassroots. Consulting and carrying the Traditional rulers along can bring the government policies into fruition. Also, Christian traditional rulers should collaborate with leadership of CAN to promote Christian values in their domains,” communique read.
