Reverend Father (Professor) Bede Ukwuije is the First Assistant Superior General to the Spiritans, Holy Ghost Fathers at Congregazione dello Spirito Santo, Casa Generalizia, Roma, Italia. He speaks with MUHAMMAD SABIU on religion and politics. Excerpts:
ABOUT your background
Aside being the First Assistant Superior General at Congregazione dello Spirito Santo, Casa Generalizia, Roma, Italia, I am a Visiting Lecturer at L’Institut Catholique de Paris and former lecturer and Director of Formation at Spiritan International School of Theology, Attakwu Enugu State. I studied Systematic Theology at Institut Catholique de Paris, studied at K.U. Leuven, went to Holy Ghost Juniorate Ihiala, and I’m based in Rome, Italy.
How would you assess the current situations in Nigeria?
Nigeria is presently divided across religious and political lines. People now use religion for selfish purposes and that has constituted a big problem. I believe that all the religious affiliations in Nigeria should come together, especially the various church denominations and put an end to the abuse of religion in politics and for violence. What is destroying us today is religious crisis, be it in Nigeria, in Africa and in all other parts of the world.
What is the essence of the canonical visit from Rome to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Mando, Kaduna?
We are visiting this church on behalf of the Superior General, Reverend Father John Fogarty, CSSP, to strengthen our spiritan brothers working in this parish and also to bring a message of solidarity to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Mando. We want to see if they are really accepted by the people they work for and are working with. We are aware of the insecurity experienced in Nigeria but we have come to tell them that God will continue to protect them and that the Holy Ghost congregation is with them. What will strike anybody that comes to St. Francis, Mando, is how beautiful and clean the environment is. There is order and unity. That shows that here in St. Francis, there is a vision and that is commendable.
The function of the General Council of Spiritans worldwide is to supervise how the spiritans proclaim the good news to the world, which is their mission. We go around to see whether they are living according to our rules of engagement; whether they are involved in the mission according to the way of the spiritans. We are also here to see whether they have the means for the actualisation of their mission, be it material or financial.
With what you have seen so far, what is your assessment?
I see this church as a wonderful place. First of all, it is a church that is welcoming; the people are very hospitable. I see a church that is united, people from different ethnic groups worship here. I can see also a lively church. You can see the people united and all the generations are united and they are singing. I can see also a church that is connected with the poor because a lot of activities taking place here for the poor.
You mentioned during your sermon that what is destroying Nigeria is religion. Could you elaborate?
Nigeria is really divided along religious lines. Even within the two major religious affiliations, we have different denominations and groups and you see people playing politics with religion. I believe that all the religions in Nigeria, especially Christians, should come together to put an end to the abuse of religion in politics and for violence.
What is your message for religious leaders in the north especially in the light of recent happenings in Kaduna?
Firstly, all religious leaders, both Muslims and Christians, should foster the gospel of unity. We can belong to different religions and still live together in peace. Then, they can join forces to call on government so that government could take take responsibility for the protection of citizens and ensure that persons found guilty of violent acts face the law. If government does not ensure justice, then nothing will work.
You stated that some religious leaders carry the Bible and Quran but do not do what is required of them. How so?
Unfortunately, many people do not do what the two religious holy books say, even though they pretend to preach it. I pray that we allow God to convert us so that we will be closer to him and do His will only.
What is your message for the church as you prepare to go back to Rome?
What I will do for the church is first of all to pray. I pray that God may keep the members of this church united and that God may keep them faithful to the word of God. I will also pray that the land case they have now is resolved as soon as possible. I thank my brothers, Reverend Father Peter Ocholi Okolo and Reverend Father Polycarp for their relentless efforts in this church.
On the 8th of January, we had a meeting with the Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Reverend Mathew Man-Oso Ndagoso and the bishop was full of praises for this church and appealed to the Spiritans not to abandon this church because it is a wonderful community. We promise we will remain united behind the church.