Don’t retaliate, cleric urges Christians

The cleric says Christians should stay peaceful in the face of violent attacks.

A cleric of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, PCN, Solomon Umazy, on Sunday called on religious leaders in the country to preach peace and abstain from advising their congregation to retaliate attacks meted out by insurgents.

Mr. Umazy gave the advice after a service to mark the Worldwide Communion Sunday at the Nyanya parish of the church.

He urged religious leaders to use religion to build the people and enhance their relationship with God and not as a tool to cause disunity. He advised Christian religious leaders to preach peace and love for the unity of the nation.

The cleric also called on Christians not to retaliate attacks being directed at them by some elements and groups, saying vengeance belonged to God. He said that though the physical hostility towards Christians by such elements affects the faithfulness and commitment of some members, Christians should be courageous.

“It is no longer easy to be a faithful and committed Christian; so many things are affecting our faith in God. Follow peace with all men. Preach peace, teach love, that person that has offended you love him.

“That is the way to win the person and the world will be better for it,” he said.

Mr. Umazy called on the wealthy to invest in Nigeria.