Guardian

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has asked religious leaders to exercise more of their God-given-authority in moulding the character of their followers so as to curb the nation’s woes.

The President who maintained that the church was at the centre of nation building, noted that spiritual leaders had greater roles to play in influencing the ideas of their members, which would in the long run reduce some of the challenges the nation was facing.

While speaking at the 30th Episcopal anniversary of John Onaiyekan and the celebration of his elevation to cardinal at Our Lady Queen Pro Cathedral yesterday in Abuja, Jonathan said that the government, political actors, and religious leaders had the same responsibility, and if they (religious leaders) played well their role in shaping the character of their followers, Nigeria would be a better place.

He stated: “The church, government and political actors have the same responsibility, and we believe the church is at the centre of society building, because some of the challenges we have today is because of the kind of character our people have. If the church moulds us, moulds the people, of course Nigeria will be a better place.”

Earlier in his remarks, Senate President David Mark said that churches in Nigeria were passing through a challenging period, noting that with prayer they would surely overcome.

He said: “Churches no doubts are facing a lot of challenges, but with prayer, we shall overcome.”

The President of Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatus Kaigama, also in his address tasked Nigerians to use religion to conquer poverty, corruption, diseases, ignorance among others.

He said Nigerians should rise on the wing of positive international image and goodwill to purge themselves of negative tendencies such as violence, terrorism and kidnapping associated with the country.

“Religion is of the heart, once the heart is changed and transformed, then we make our life better and our country better. Let us use religion effectively for that purpose. Let us use religion which Nigerians love and practise so much for development, religion should be used to conquer poverty, corruption, diseases, ignorance among others.”

Felicitating with His Eminence on his elevation, Jonathan pointed out: “I have known, interacted and worked with him, for a period of time, especially during the time I was the vice president. He was the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, where he also co-chaired the National Coordinator of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). He has always come out as a simple and humble man, yet he is a man of distinction, learning who also saw himself as a citizen and servant of God.”

According to him, the office of the cardinal is a combination of great responsibility and service to humanity, and that the appointment is a clear indication of the Vatican’s continued recognition of the immense contribution of the church in Nigeria to the worldwide Catholic movement.

“It is not the Catholic Church that celebrates alone, but the entire country that celebrates with him, we are very proud of your achievement,” he said.