The newly-elected President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Samson Ayokunle, has urged the Federal Government to take decisive measures against some religious fanatics who are attacking Christians.
Ayokunle, who took over the mantle of leadership of the umbrella body of Christians in the country yesterday, said that the association under his tenure would not be anti-government, but would not patronise the government.
Speaking after his inauguration in Abuja, the new CAN helmsman said that though the body would be a partner in progress with government at all levels, the association would not fail to speak against the excesses of political leadership even when the situation is not favourable for the truth.
“We are committed to supporting the governments of the day in Nigeria, both the federal and states in all ways to achieve noble goals that would lead to development in the nation. CAN is not anti-government and the government should not be anti-CAN. We are supposed to be partners-in-progress. Each should respect the boundaries that would lead to mutual respect.
“However, we are not going to patronise the government and thereby fail in our responsibilities to speak against the excesses of those in political leadership. The church is in the world to improve the world and shine as light of the world.
“The church essentially is not of the world. We should stand out courageously and stand clean. We are aware that we are called to serve the body of Christ at the most challenging time for the church.
In his remarks, the immediate past President of the association, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, recalled that his most challenging period was when the Christians, who he was defending, were the ones turning back to stand against him.
However, he thanked God that despite all odds, he was able to complete his tenure successfully, recalling that he took mantle of leadership when the road was seriously rough.
He, therefore, called on Nigerians, particularly the Christian faithful, to stand behind Ayokunle and his team for the body (CAN) to be able to withstand the challenges.
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