Kefas To Clergy: Don’t Turn Church Into Political Platform

Taraba State governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has urged the christian community to remain the moral conscience of society by providing spiritual and ethical guidance in the face of growing social, economic and security challenges.

Governor Kefas made the call in Jalingo while declaring open a three-day Ministers’ Conference organised by the Taraba State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The conference, which has as its theme: “The Church and the State: Partners in God’s Plan in a Changing World,” brought together christian ministers, church leaders, political leaders and other stakeholders from across the state.

The governor, who commended CAN leadership for convening the conference, described the theme as timely, particularly against the backdrop of economic hardship, insecurity, drug abuse, moral decadence, social divisions and other challenges confronting society.

He said the church and government had distinct responsibilities, but could complement each other in areas of common interest to promote peace, justice and sustainable development.

According to him, while government is responsible for providing security, justice and the welfare of citizens, the church must continue to uphold truth, compassion, moral discipline and the fear of God.

Governor Kefas urged christian leaders to have the courage to speak truth to power and provide constructive counsel to those in authority, stressing that the Church must not allow partisan politics, ethnicity or personal interests to compromise its prophetic role.

He cautioned against turning the Church into an extension of political parties, saying religious leaders should remain united and focused on their spiritual responsibilities irrespective of political differences.

The governor also urged the church to intensify its campaign against corruption, drug abuse, violence, hatred and injustice, while encouraging young people to pursue legitimate means of achieving success.

He called on Christians to emulate the early church by promoting fellowship, prayer, generosity, forgiveness and care for one another.

Dr. Kefas further solicited the prayers of the christian community for his administration, saying leadership came with enormous responsibilities that were not always visible to the public.
He assured the gathering that his administration would continue to promote justice, fairness, peaceful coexistence and freedom of worship, irrespective of religious or sectional affiliations.
The governor, said his administration was prepared to deepen its partnership with the church and other religious bodies in areas including education, peacebuilding, community development and the fight against drug abuse.
Earlier, the chairman of CAN in Taraba State said the conference was designed to promote unity, revive the christian faith and strengthen peaceful coexistence among christians and other members of society.

He disclosed that prominent personalities, including Bishop David Abioye, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, were expected to participate as resource persons.
The opening ceremony featured a special prayer session for Taraba State and Nigeria, as participants expressed optimism that the conference would provide spiritual renewal and practical guidance for christian leaders.
The conference is expected to end on Friday, August 21, with a fundraising programme for the construction of a proposed 5,000-capacity ultramodern Christian Centre in Taraba State.
Among the prominent clergy at the conference were Bishop David Abioye, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi and Rev. Dr. Caleb Ahima.