…Urge U.S. not to blacklist Nigeria
Ministers of the Baptist Theological Seminary, rose from their 65th Annual Conference in Kaduna, acknowledging and insisting that Christians in Nigeria are facing persecution in various forms.
The Baptist ministers however, appealed to the United States Government not to place the country on its Countries of Particular Concern (CPC).
The ministers specifically acknowledged that Christians across the country have suffered killings, harassment, and discrimination because of their faith.
The Conference however, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for the ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening national unity and security coordination.
It tasked the governments at all levels to pay more attention to the welfare of victims of violence and hardship facing citizens.
These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the week-long conference with the theme: ‘The Authority of Scripture and the Mission of the Church in Troubled Times’, in which the conference tasked pastors to speak truth to power and remain the moral conscience of the nation.
The communique which was signed by Rev. Joseph John Hyab, Chairman of the Seminary’s Board of Governors and Rev. Mannaseh Panpe, acting president of the Seminary, warned that silence in the face of corruption and injustice undermines the Church’s prophetic role.
The Baptist 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.
The Conference acknowledged that while Christians in Nigeria face persecution through killings and discrimination, it however appealed to the United States in particular and other international partners not to impose punitive measures that could escalate the security challenges in Nigeria.
The Conference cautioned against what it described as “extravagant wedding and burial practices”, which they noted are unbiblical and financially burdensome for families and therefore urged Christians to embrace moderation and godly living in accordance with Scripture.
It particularly lamented over the rising cost of living, unemployment, and insecurity, and challenged leaders to govern with the fear of God and pursue people-centred policies that prioritize human welfare above politics.
The communique further stated; “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 annual conference was attended by delegates from over four million Baptist members, 4,000 pastors, and 5,000 local churches in Northern Nigeria.
