Agenzia Fides

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – The need to return to the true values of Christianity and Islam to create a Nigerian society that lives in peace and harmony. This is the appeal launched by His Exc Mgr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, Archbishop of Jos and President of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria, in his speech at the Forum organized by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) on "Religious Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence ".
Archbishop Kaigama pointed out that the three monotheistic religions, Jewish, Christianity and Islam preach peace and tolerance. In particular, the Archbishop of Jos pointed out several evangelical passages where Jesus calls for dialogue to resolve disputes in order to avoid violence. Archbishop Kaigama then presented some examples of solidarity between Christians and Muslims, referring also to his personal experience. "I was recently invited by the Muslim youths in Jos to break the fast with many Muslims in the Jos Central Mosque, when some years ago I spent two nights in the house of the late Emir of Wase, Alhaji Haruna Abdulahi and traveled to Germany with him for two weeks, telling our story of peace building efforts. That for me was a dialogue of life which I advocate for Muslims and Christians," concluded Archbishop Kaigama.
The appeal of the President of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria comes as the Country is shocked by the violence in different areas. On October 17, 30 people died in the central State of Benue in an attack by Fulani farmers, mostly Muslims, against a village inhabited by Tiv farmers, mostly Christians. In recent days in Maidugiri during violent clashes between the army and the Islamist group Boko Haram at least 24 people were killed. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/10/2012)