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On International Day for Tolerance, Christian Leaders in Nigeria Urge Peaceful Living

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On the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance marked Tuesday, November 16, the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged Nigerians to practice tolerance and live peacefully to promote national development.

“The world we live is a global village and people of different ethnicity, religion and race need each other for socio economic growth,” the chairman of CAN in Kaduna State has been quoted as saying in a Wednesday, November 17 report.

Rev. John Joseph Hayab adds, “Our connection with one another makes our relationship more than just tolerating one another. We need tolerance in our schools, offices, market places, when we are travelling by road, rail and on air.”

“Our closeness to people with different identities and our ability to move along should go beyond just tolerance,” Rev. Hayab further says.

The Pastor who is also the Country Director for Global Peace Foundation (GPF) appeals to all human beings, especially Nigerians, “to show more love, respect and give others space to operate.”

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“Our community will be peaceful when people see others recognizing and appreciating their unique contributions. Such recognition goes beyond tolerance,” he adds.

All people, the chairman of CAN in Kaduna State goes on to say, regardless of race, nationality, religion or culture, “are one family under God. GPF affirms the importance of universally recognized principles and shared values as essential to building social cohesion within nations and the global community.”

“All people have intrinsic value, dignity and fundamental rights as endowed by the Creator. Every person has, as his or her highest attribute, a spiritual and moral essence,” Rev. Hayab says.

He continues, “Our human nature finds its fullest expression and meaning in relationships with others.”

“People develop their innate potential through their choices and actions. Freedom and responsibility are intrinsically linked,” the CAN officials says.

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“Understanding our shared identity and common aspirations as members of the human family establishes the basis for lasting Peace,” he says, adding that “It is the foundation for respect, empathy and shared responsibility beyond the boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and nationality.”

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.