- As maiden inter-religious mega confab ends in Calabar
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star (BCS)-organised Inter-Religious Mega Conference has ended in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, with participants calling for religious tolerance and understanding among all faiths.
Also, in the overall interest of humanity, the Conference participants, which included Christian and Moslem Leaders as well as traditionalists, were united in their calls for peace and unity amongst various tribes, beliefs and races across the globe.
Similarly, brainstorming on the need to foster peace and enhance cooperation among diverse religious groups in Nigeria, they noted that the understanding among Faith-based groups and traditional religions would effectively promote world peace.
Participants at the event, anchored by an arm of the BCS, the Christ Universal General Fellowship, were drawn from different denominations, Churches, philosophical organisations, and religions as well as numerous in-house Fellowships in the spiritual organization.
The 6-day programme witnessed paper presentations by denominational Church leaders, religionists and erudite scholars from the Brotherhood fold.
Discussants also included a Professor of philosophy of religions and Lecturer at Department of Religious Studies, University of Uyo, Protus Nathan Uzorma; HRM Barrister Evans Nwansi from Imo State; and Sheykh Imam Dr Salih Animashaun, one time Chief Imam of Muslim Students Society (MSS).
Those from the Pentecostal fold were the Founder of Heaven Concern Deliverance Ministry in Agbor, Delta State, Dr Amaechi Ogbeje and Apostle Chinedu Odenigbo among others.
Highlight of the thought-provoking presentations at the mega-confab was the topic; “The Second Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ: A Divine Promise Consummated or an Expectation?”
With the question receiving special attention, discussants shared their views and beliefs about the Divine Promise of the Second Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ whether it is still an expectation or a fulfilled prophecy.
Addressing journalists on the Conference outcome, Chairman of the International Organizing Committee, Archbishop Emmanuel A. Ekuri, explained that; “The week-long event featured three eventful days of intensive Evangelical Visitations to Royal fathers, top military personnel, government functionaries, and political Leaders as well as a 3-day Calabar Metropolitan City Crusade for people to avail themselves with the Everlasting Gospel delivered by Leader Olumba Olumba Obu.”
Archbishop Ekuri described the Metropolitan City Crusade as a special feature meant to create an enabling platform for unification and religious unity and peace.
According to him, the Mega Conference represented one of the most elaborately and exceptionally eventful periods in the annals of the BCS Christ Universal General Fellowship (CUGF) which has impacted other faiths and philosophical organizations.
He further said; “The event was to lay a strong foundation for the rejuvenation of the integrative spirit of unity, tolerance, love and Brotherhood”, adding that the theme of the event, “We are all we need, we are better together”, charged man on the imperatives of unity of all creations of God.
Among dignitaries visited by the Conference participants was the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who applauded the spirit behind Inter-Religious Mega Conference.
The revered Paramount ruler of the Efik Kingdom, who was represented by the Chairman of Etuboms’ Traditional Council, HRM Bassey Okor Bassey Duke, called for unity and intensification of love among God’s creations.
The Obong said the Palace was pleased that Brotherhood of the Cross and Star does not distance themselves from them, adding that they have helped to bolster peace and development in Project Calabar.
The programme, which ran from Monday, 17th October 2022 to Saturday, 22nd October 2022, was held at their BCS Administrative World Headquarters in Calabar.
