Christians have been urged to serve as the salt and light of the world by actively engaging in nation-building and setting good examples for the betterment of society.
The call was made by the Director of the Centre for Leadership Excellence at ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos, and Chief Executive Officer of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Rev. Dr. Yunusa Madu, during the public presentation and launch of a book titled “Faith, Church, and Service to Humanity” in Kaduna.
Rev. Dr. Madu emphasized that Christians and church leaders must continually pray for the good of society while striving to make a positive impact within their various spheres of influence.
He further called on governments at all levels to pay closer attention to religious communities in order to ensure peace and stability.
According to him, the promotion of upright family values and the inculcation of morals among the youth remain vital, especially in curbing social vices that contribute to the decay of society’s fabric.
While responding, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Southern Kaduna, who was represented by Honorable Allahmagani Yohanna, described the book as an answer to many questions and a solution to the lack of knowledge regarding the place of service to humanity and the importance of making an impact in society.
The book, written in honor of Reverend Yunusa Madu, was produced by the Department of Christian Religious Studies, College of Humanities, Education and Law, Kaduna State University.
On the issue of freedom of religion or belief, he observed that the process remains very slow, with government showing little seriousness in addressing the matter.
He emphasized that state actors, traditional institutions, and all stakeholders must demonstrate genuine commitment to the conventions and charters that Nigeria is a signatory to, in order to guarantee the right of individuals to practice their religion freely.
He described a recent statement credited to the Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, directing clergies to submit their sermons to authorities before delivering them on the pulpit, as both ignorant and unnecessary in a society that upholds freedom of religion or belief.
Nevertheless, he cautioned religious leaders against using the pulpit as a platform to create disharmony within society, urging them instead to remain true to their faith and teachings.
COV/LILIAN
