From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
The three-day Ministers’ Conference of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has ended in Jalingo, Taraba State, with a call on Christians to submit themselves fully to the will of God in pursuit of peace, unity and understanding.
The Dean of the Cabinet of the Southern Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC), Rev. Dr. Philip Micah Dopah, made the call while speaking with our correspondent in Jalingo.
Dopah said the conference was organised to chart a new course for Christians, particularly at a time when division, tribalism and discrimination appeared to be gaining ground in society.
He explained that the conference was also designed to bring ministers of God together to promote peace, strengthen cordial relations between the church and government, and encourage harmony while ensuring that the church remained independent of undue political influence.
According to him, the theme of the conference, “The Church and the State; Partners in God’s Plan in a Changing World,” focused on how the Christian faith could respond effectively to the realities of the present time.
He further noted that in the face of social, economic and security challenges, the church must not remain silent, adding, “we must be the voice of truth, the hands of compassion and the conscience of the nation and together as partners in God’s plan, we can build a stronger Taraba and a Nigeria,” he stated.
Dopah also urged Christians to put aside their differences and embrace peace, unity and mutual understanding, stressing the need to allow the teachings of Christ to guide them in overcoming seemingly impossible challenges.
The conference attracted participants from the 16 local government areas of Taraba State, as well as prominent Christian leaders and ministers from within and outside the state.
Among those who participated in the three-day event were former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke; former CAN President, Ayo Oritsejafor; Caleb Ahima; Benjamin Kwashi; Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama; David Abioye; Williams Awoshiri; and Innocent Solomon of Taraba CAN.
The Dean expressed appreciation to the participants and other Christian leaders for their contributions to what he described as a historic gathering.
He also commended the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, for his support and prayers for CAN and the Christian community in the state.
