AFRICA/NIGERIA - Catholic Bishops of Nigeria: “We thank God that more lay Christians are becoming involved in politics”

Lagos (Fides Service)- “We thank God that more lay Christians are becoming involved in politics and are occupying various posts. We congratulate those of them who have been trying to be true witnesses of justice and peace”, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria said in a statement issued at the end of their second plenary assembly held in September. “Indeed, politics offers our lay Christians a great opportunity to contribute to the development of our country, following the light of the Gospel. Being a Christian includes the civic responsibility to contribute to good governance and the transformation of society,” the communiqué said. The Bishops also welcomed initiatives being taken in reconciliation Plateau State to achieve peace and reconciliation, following recent sectarian violence.
However with reference the recent revelation of rituals involving human sacrifice, the Bishops’ Conference condemned “all fetish practices” and regretted “the involvement of some Christians in perpetrating evil practices”. The Nigerian police is investigating the discovery of 50 bodies and more than 20 skulls in a “sacred” forest near Okija, 500 km east of Lagos.
The Bishops also tackled matters of police and security, corruption and care for those living with HIV/AIDS.
They agreed that support and attention must be given to Catholic school education and formation of youth “services in partnership with the government towards teh provision of quality and functional education”.
The Bishops’ Conference thanked the state governments which have handed some schools back to the Church urging them to “assist in renovating the infrastructures as well as providing grants-in-aid to mission schools”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2004 righe 23 parole 257)