Let’s “pursue true mission of religion”: Catholic Archbishop Urges Religious Tolerance, Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria

“Our leaders should work earnestly and fervently for true peace. The presence of a good leader should not bring violence but peace to all. The true leader governs with love, humility, and service. His presence brings forgiveness. He brings healing, restoration, and liberation to the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed,” he said.

Archbishop Kaigama highlighted some of the challenges Nigerians are currently facing, such as violence, bloodshed, kidnapping, corruption, unemployment, high inflation, repeated terror attacks, and religious differences, which he said had pushed many citizens into “hopelessness and sadness.”

Regarding the challenges in Nigeria, the Catholic Archbishop said that “patience cannot be overemphasized,” urging the leaders to do whatever it takes to save the people from injustices and continuous kidnappings, which he said had prevented people from carrying out their daily activities due to fear.

Civilians, he said, have been patiently waiting for the kidnapping to stop, terrorists to stop their “mindless” attacks and killings, “so that our innocent children can go to school and return safely; our farmers can go to far-away farms and return safely; our market women can go and come to make the meager amounts they do for daily sustenance.”

“Let leaders at whatever level not wait until the youths lose their patience. It may be catastrophic,” he added.

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On the third Sunday of Advent, Archbishop Kaigama also encouraged the people of God in Nigeria to rejoice by expressing gratitude to God as the year ends.

“We are at the tail end of the year, and the Lord has kept us alive and strong. In your families, I believe you have many reasons to be grateful to God. Likewise, in your parish, you have experienced spiritual growth, pastoral success, peace, and unity,” he said, “The Archdiocese has every reason to be grateful.”

In the Holy Mass in which Archbishop Kaigama conferred the sacrament of Confirmation, the Nigerian Church leader urged the 196 Confirmands to “become witnesses of the Light of Christ.”

 “As soldiers of Christ, your faith must be strong and your love for others genuine, beyond boundaries or barriers. Speak the truth and shame the devil; demonstrate that there can be joy of heart even in the face of adversity,” he said.

The Archbishop further called on all the people of God at St. Pius X Parish, Gbagalagpe, to embrace the responsibility of spreading hope and transformation in the society that has been affected by many challenges, especially violence.

“In all you do, foster unity, understanding, and love.  Above all, trust in the Lord and look up to Him because he is our rock, our refuge, and salvation. Do not be distracted. Keep your eyes focused on Christ, who existed yesterday, exists today, and will exist tomorrow, and he is the way, the truth, and the life,” he said.

Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.