Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lagos (Fides Service)- Dialogue between people of different faiths for building a society of peace and solidarity was the central theme of a Seminar on Relations between Christianity and Traditional African Religion held 28-31 March at the Benedictine monastery at Ewu-Esan, in the Edo State, Nigeria. The seminar was organised by the Committee for Interreligious Dialogue of the ecclesastical province of Benin City in collaboration with the Department for Mission and Dialogue of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria .
Speakers included Mgr. Hypolite Adigwe national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Nigeria who gave a conference on “Dialogue and Proclamation as the Mission of the Church”. Mgr. Adigwe said that since according to some researchers Nigeria is one of the world’s ‘most religious’ countries, consequently inter-religious dialogue is an unavoidable necessity and every Catholic should have a minimum of basic knowledge of what it means.
Underlining the missionary nature of the Church and dialogue as a component of missionary activity, the PMS national director told those present that there is no need to fear that inter-religious dialogue might cause a loss of identity in the Church also because the Holy Spirit given to the Church, is present in the whole of creation.
Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua gave a talk on “Missionaries and traditional African religion” recalling initial difficulties encountered by missionaries to appreciate the positive aspects of African culture and traditions. He said inter-religious dialogue can foster reciprocal understanding between Christians and followers of traditional African religion.
Along the same lines Mr John Edemode, spoke about “The impact of Christianity on the African people”, analysing the connection between Christianity and colonialism, and Ms Isiramen, gave a paper on “Coexistence in Nigeria today of followers of traditional African religion and Christians”. The participants drafted a concrete plan to promote inter-religious dialogue at the diocesan level. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/4/2006 righe 31 parole 359)
