Cardinal in Nigeria Cautions against “evil bills”, Urges Christian Legislators to Be Vocal

He cautioned Christian legislators against silence, saying, “You cannot keep quiet and allow party affiliation or any other interest to rob you of your faith commitment.”

The Cardinal urged the Laity to showcase their Christian values, which he said entail opposing “anti-Christian and evil policies through available legitimate means.”

“To be a true Christian politician is to promote policies and laws because they are objectively right and would bring about the reign of God’s kingdom of love, justice, and peace,”  said the Nigerian Catholic Church leader who was named Cardinal in May 2022 and was among the 20 Cardinals created during the August 2022 Consistory.

He went on to reflect on the role of the Laity in the Church, saying, “The spirituality of the layperson is further demonstrated by the support the person gives to the Church.”

“In the Church, some are called to be leaders in the battle against evil, in campaigns to make Christ known to all, in the numerous activities of the Church, and in defending and governing the widespread kingdom of Christ on earth,” he said.

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By involving themselves actively in the “visible administrative organs of their local parishes, deaneries, regions, and dioceses, like the diocesan synod committee (can. 463§2) and pastoral council,” the Cardinal said that the Laity “can make contributions for the growth of the Church and human society.”

“All of us gathered here for this retreat are involved in this leadership service in one way or another. To be a true leader means becoming a servant to others, sacrificing for them, and fighting for their welfare. A good leader does not count on what he gains but on how well group goals are achieved,” Cardinal Okpaleke said in his July 13 address to National Chaplains and National Presidents of Lay Apostolate groups in Nigeria.

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