Religion not cause of Nigeria's woes

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama has distanced religion from the several socioeconomic, political and security woes that have bedevilled Nigeria, resulting in a slow pace of development.

He said that from empirical evidence, religious institutions have assisted Nigeria so much through educational, medical and social projects, stating that the aim of true religion is to help people reduce spiritual, moral and social vices, hence people get it wrong when they lift private religious practices above national interests or the common good, letting religious distrust, suspicion and stereotypes dominate, and refusing to simply see fellow Nigerians as neighbours to be loved and cherished.

Archbishop Kaigama, in his homily delivered at the Priestly ordination in Abuja, on Saturday, challenged religious leaders in Nigeria to be united in inspiring the people in whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely and commendable.

“We must teach our fellow religious adherents how to accommodate others with respect and dignity, and to use religion to promote integral human development and social harmony rather than hatred, division and violence; just as politicians should teach their fellow politicians to behave patriotically and create a social ambience that fosters unity, peace and progress.

“It should worry us terribly that because of bad politics and bad governance, our young ones, discouraged and crippled by socioeconomic conditions at home, are desperately seeking greener pastures in countries that our resources as the so-called ‘giant of Africa’ could be ten times more than theirs.

“We have millions of idle youths, some on the streets and some at home due to government failure to let them back to school by positively responding to ASUU demands, and some, because their schools have become unsafe.

“More than 60 years after independence and blessed with so much oil wealth, many rural and even urban dwellers are still experiencing the lack of potable water, good and safe roads, and modern agricultural tools and today, everyone is feeling the harsh impact of the high cost of fuel, etc.

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“Electricity supply is epileptic even as smaller countries around us enjoy it better. Instead of seeing politics as means to good governance and better socio-economic conditions, leaders employ politics for self-preservation, and when it suits them they resort to religious politics. Religion should enhance the worship of God, holiness of life, and prepare people for life in heaven.

“If only we can use religion to build solid relationships with one another and with God, we would conduct politics without bitterness, malice or violence. We would have equitable distribution of resources and appointments made into influential positions with greater sensitivity and balance.

“This is how we can achieve the much-needed national consciousness and cohesion, when merit dictates national policies or choices and not who you know or tribe or the religion you practise,” he said.

He advised the newly ordained Priests not to neglect the Grace of God and do nothing that people might object to, so as not to bring discredit on their function as God’s servants. “Do not be distracted by the very things you are renouncing for the sake of the kingdom of God. Jesus wants us to preserve the dignity of the office of the priesthood according to His will.

“The life of a priest is a life of giving more than receiving. Jesus is therefore sending you not in search of personal purses, haversacks, sandals, the very things He forbade His disciples from looking for while on a mission.

“Rather, go therefore and be Priest enough for the people. Be messengers of hope, animators of faith communities and spiritual guides to the people. May your voice echo the voice of Jesus, a voice of hope, truth, justice and righteousness.”