Shun denominational differences, CAN President urges Christians

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, has called on Christians in the country to set aside their denominational differences to form a strong and united body for the growth and progress of the Association.

He made the appeal on Wednesday in Minna, the Niger State capital, at the Leadership Summit with the theme: “The Power of Unity” organized by the State Chapter of CAN, saying, “Christians must be deliberate enough to promote and express fresh unity amongst us by mobilizing our brothers and sisters.”

The cleric, who was represented by the Coordinating Chaplain, National Christian Centre, Rt. Rev. Ini Ukpuho, said, “We must ensure that our vision resonates by loving one another just as Christ loves the church.

“We need to reevaluate ourselves to have a new CAN, and we must see ourselves as one,” he added.

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Speaking earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Yola Diocese, Adamawa state, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen D. Manza, noted that without unity amongst Christians in Nigeria, the purpose of establishing CAN would be defeated.

He thereby challenged leaders in various states in parts of the country to avoid anything that could tarnish their image in positions of leadership.

Similarly, the guest speaker, Pastor Pius Ogbu Sunday of the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, in his paper, traced the disunity amongst the various denominations to the desire for physical expansion of churches rather than soul-winning for Christ in line with the vision and mission of the Christian Association.

He likened disunity to a virus that has set the various blocs against one another, stressing that if nothing is done to adequately tackle it, it would be difficult for the Association to achieve its set objectives.

Accordingly, he said, “different denominations with vested interest would sink CAN if measures are not taken to unite the members.

“Our assignment is to nurture CAN to grow for all to benefit. We are shortchanged when we are disunited. Where there is unity, there would be greater heights, greater power, and greater output.”

In his opening remarks, the Chairman, Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most. Rev. Dr. Bulus Yohanna Dauwa, said the Summit was organized as a result of noticeable differences among the various blocs that made up the Association in the state.

The state CAN Chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, however, expressed optimism that at the end of the Summit, church leaders in the state would be more focused on building bridges of understanding among members of the association as they continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.