By Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, CSN
The Catholic Bishops of Calabar Province have issued a strong warning against emerging heresies and liturgical aberrations in the Church. In a communique titled “Hope Does Not Disappoint,” the bishops expressed concern about the rise of false teachings and practices that threaten the integrity of the Catholic faith.
“We have observed a rise in the spate of heretical teachings,” the communique states. “We need to emphasize that many of these resurgent heresies perpetrated by popular gospel preachers especially through social media, had long been dealt with through the teachings of the Church Fathers and various Ecumenical Councils.”
The prelates attributed the spread of these heresies to ignorance of Church history or a willful distortion of theological facts. They urged the faithful to be discerning and to hold on to true teachings that emanate from the teaching authority of the Church.
In addition to addressing emerging heresies, the shepherds of the Church also tackled the menace of liturgical abuses. They lamented the proliferation of private ministries by priests and the inherent abuses. The bishops emphasized that the ministry of the priest is the one he was called by God, ordained, and entrusted with by the bishop.
Furthermore, the bishops also expressed concern about the rise of lay ministries in the Church, cautioning that while the Church acknowledges the common priesthood of the lay faithful, they should know their limits and not usurp the roles of ordained ministers.
To this end, the Catholic Bishops of Calabar Province urged the faithful to deepen their faith through studying the Scriptures and the Catechism of the Church. They also called on priests to revive catechesis in their parishes, emphasizing the need for a well-informed and educated laity.
The document concludes by emphasizing the importance of hope and trust in God’s saving power. Thus, the bishops encouraged the faithful not to lose heart amidst economic and social challenges, but to trust in God’s goodness and providence.
