BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The 65th Annual Ministers’ Conference of the Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna, has acknowledged that Christians in Nigeria face persecution in various forms, even as it appealed to the United States government not to place the country on its Countries of Particular Concern (CPC).
They made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of the week-long conference held in Kaduna with the theme: ‘The Authority of Scripture and the Mission of the Church in Troubled Times’.
In a communique, signed by Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Seminary’s Board of Governors, and Rev. Dr. Mannaseh Panpe, Acting President of the Seminary, acknowledged that Christians across the country have suffered killings, harassment, and discrimination because of their faith.
“While we acknowledge that Christians in Nigeria face persecution through killings and discrimination, we appeal to the United States and other international partners not to impose punitive measures that could escalate our security challenges”.
The Ministers urged foreign partners to adopt constructive and collaborative approaches to help Nigeria strengthen peace, justice, and interfaith coexistence, rather than take steps that could deepen the crisis.
It also called on pastors to speak truth to power and remain the moral conscience of the nation, warning that silence in the face of corruption and injustice undermines the Church’s prophetic role.
The Ministers further cautioned against extravagant wedding and burial practices, which they described as unbiblical and financially burdensome for families. They urged Christians to embrace moderation and godly living in accordance with Scripture.
On governance, the Conference commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for ongoing efforts to strengthen national unity and security coordination but called for more attention to the welfare of victims of violence and hardship facing citizens.
It also decried the rising cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity, urging leaders to govern with the fear of God and pursue people-centered policies that prioritize human welfare above politics.
“Pastors should mobilize their congregations to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political participation is both a civic and moral responsibility”.
The Ministers reaffirmed its commitment to theological education and leadership development across the North, commending ongoing reforms at the institution and announcing plans to appoint a substantive president soon.
The annual conference, attended by delegates representing over four million Baptist members, 4,000 pastors, and 5,000 local churches in Northern Nigeria, ended with prayers for peace, justice, and moral renewal across the country.
ENDS
