By Charles Igwe
Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Abuja has called on Church leaders to prioritize unity and holiness, cautioning against the divisive influence of politics and money. Speaking on January 25 at the conclusion of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, he emphasized the need to preserve the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as a symbol of solidarity.
“Let us preserve CAN as a place of unity and holiness. Don’t let politics or money scatter us,” Archbishop Kaigama said, urging Christians to extend the “right hand of fellowship” and remain united as brothers and sisters in Christ. He expressed optimism about the progress made in fostering unity among Christians in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
Looking ahead, the Archbishop proposed a more interactive format for future gatherings, advocating for firsthand testimonies from different Christian communities rather than traditional sermons. He also addressed misconceptions about Catholic engagement with Scripture, citing the Sunday of the Word of God as an example of the Church’s deep scriptural tradition.
Reflecting on eschatology, Archbishop Kaigama reminded Christians of their role as active participants in God’s kingdom, emphasizing justice, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. He challenged believers to assess their commitment to discipleship, asking, “Are you a curious Christian, just coming to church for curiosity’s sake? Or are you a true disciple—a student willing to learn and stay with Jesus?”
Abuja CAN Chairman, Rev. Timothy Amakom, highlighted the growing unity among Nigerian Christians through interdenominational engagements. Acknowledging past divisions, he affirmed that efforts are underway to strengthen Christian solidarity, in line with Christ’s prayer in John 17:21 for unity among believers.
Rev. Amakom also addressed the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, revealing that CAN is actively engaging state governors and relevant stakeholders to uphold the constitutional right to freedom of worship. He emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure Christians can practice their faith freely across all regions, particularly in areas traditionally hostile to Christianity.
