Nigeria’s Catholic Theologians Propose “critical religious literacy” to Address Country’s “complex religious landscape”

In their communiqué dated April 25, the CATHAN members say they are committed to helping the faithful navigate through the “challenges of syncretism, religious commodification, and fluid religious identities, while fostering a renewed ethical vision of Christian discipleship rooted in humility, solidarity, and prophetic witness.”

Reflecting on the Church’s role on family stability, the Catholic theologians acknowledge the “crucial role of religion in fostering family stability through its provision of a moral compass, promotion of peace and forgiveness, and aid in cultural preservation.”

“We affirm that marital stability necessitates both parental upbringing and the intervening influence of religion, particularly within Nigeria's socio-cultural context,” they say in the communiqué following their April 22–25 annual conference that was realized under the theme, “Theology and Contemporary Approaches to Religion in Nigeria.”

During the four-day deliberations, CATHAN members resolved “to bolster the Church’s apostolate for family stability within Nigeria’s diverse religious context.”

This is achievable through advocating for “a critical reassessment of catechetical tools and doctrinal reformulations that counter religious abuses destabilizing families,” they say.

More in Africa

South African Catholic Bishop Known for Liturgical Reform at Conference Dies at 76

Read the article

In the communiqué, Nigeria’s Catholic theologians express their commitment to “prioritize core religious tenets of love, respect, and forgiveness, and promote upgraded pedagogical and catechetical content alongside necessary doctrinal upgrades to better support families.”

“Trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves anew to the vital task of theological inquiry and service, striving to be instruments of liberation and hope in a nation yearning for truth, justice, and peace,” CATHAN members say in their April 25 communiqué.

Nicholas Waigwa is a Kenyan multimedia journalist and broadcast technician with a professional background in creating engaging news stories and broadcasting content across multiple media platforms. He is passionate about the media apostolate and Catholic Church communication.