Christian leaders launch platform for political discourse

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7 years ago

The Institute of Church and Society, with headquarters in Samonda, Ibadan, has launched a platform for political discourse as it relates to the church.

This was held at a workshop held on June 12, 2018, which had as its theme, Theology in Public Space Platform, at the conference hall of the institute.

In his address, the Chairman, Congar Food Products Nigeria Limited, Mr Akintayo Thomas, spoke on the seeming imbalance between proliferation of churches and the expected effect on society, stating that there was need for the church to make more impact, especially in ensuring that society was the better for it.

He also called on churches to take advantage of the popularity and wide reach of the social media to disseminate the right messages.

In his presentation, Programme Officer, Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN), South-West, Mr Tony Fasehun, spoke on Mobilising Church Community for Social Responsibility – The Nigerian Perspective.

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He spoke on the need for the church and other stakeholders in Christendom to go beyond prayers on the surface level, and embrace real action such as public forums to enlighten people on happenings in the polity and how it affects them.

Programme Officer, Christian Council of Nigeria, South-West, Reverend Segun Babalola, who spoke on Church Ineffectiveness in Politics, Bane of Development in the South-West, called on Christians to take more active part in politics.

In his address, Director, Institute of Church and Society, Very Reverend Kolade Fadahunsi, stated that “We seek to educate and form public leaders who are committed to nurturing and developing faith communities for engagement in the Nigerian society. As an institute, we believe that he church is broader than congregational ministry and embraces a wider vision of communities.”

Bishop J.M.B Ibikunle of Okun Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), spoke on the role of theology in influencing the polity, and also urged clerics to lead by example.

Very Reverend Opeyemi Awe, also of the MCN, called on churches to back up faith with action, stating that “Churches should look critically into getting the right message out through developmental efforts.”

Also represented at the conference were the Dominican University; Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan; Church of the Lord (Aladura); All Saints’ Chapel, University of Benin, Justice Development and Peace Commission, among others.