LAGOS, AUGUST 16, 2019 (CISA) – Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has called on all religions in the country, especially Christians and Muslims to exercise their values in a manner that will foster peace, growth and stability.
“Our religious values will motivate us to witness to non- Muslims and non- Christians in our country to what is good, noble and positive. This will bear fruits such as political, economic progress, social stability and peace,” he said in a statement released on August 11.
“Enlightened religious values should lead people of every religion to always respect and protect the interests and property of one another. But we sometimes prefer to tear at each other, wounding and destroying interpersonal trust which results in retarding in no small measure the growth and progress of our nation,” he added.
The Archbishop condemned religious propaganda and the attempt to assert religious superiority saying that everyone should rather approach religious issues and practice religion with more positive dispositions.
“If only we look and think well and free ourselves from the effects of religious indoctrination, we could avoid crises that brew and consume lives in the name of religion. In different parts of the world and especially in Nigeria, religious issues are sometimes exaggerated and heightened to the extent that they assume different dimensions, resulting in needless violence and the destruction to lives and property,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to go back to the old tradition of celebrating religious feasts together without suspicion, distrust or hostility.
“Can we once again imitate the habit of the “good old days” when Muslims joyfully participated in celebrating with Christians at Christmas and Christians would gladly receive from Muslims without fear or suspicion very delicious Sallah meals? Religion should build true brotherhood and friendship and shouldn’t be a reason for mutual distrust,” he said.
