By Talatu Maiwada
The Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Most Rev. Musa Filibus, has urged political leaders in the country to intensify efforts toward promoting peace and security.
He made the appeal at the opening of the LCCN 2026 National Annual Convention in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa.
The convention, themed “Go and Bear Fruit That Will Last” (John 15:6), holds from February 25 to March 1.
The cleric said that the gathering marks the 101st convention of the church since its establishment in 1925.
Filibus said the theme of the conference aimed to challenge Christians to raise generations rooted in the fear of God and committed to bearing fruit beneficial to the church and society.
“In a nation today that is shaking, we have left the fundamentals of what it means to be a people of the same country even when we differ in our faith.
“Religious leaders have resorted to teachings that instigate misunderstandings rather than building bridges and bringing people together.
“This gathering aims at bringing us back to a faith that compels us to live lives worthy in society and portray the life of Christ,” he said.
Filibus, who also spoke on the state of the nation, lamented how some families lost their loved ones to terrorism and banditry attacks while others were displaced with some losing their livelihoods.
“While appreciating signs of progress in the security situation, we call on the government to do more, to protect citizens, ensure justice and promote peace,” the cleric said.
Filibus urged Christians to remain steadfast in prayer and to embrace their role as peacemakers.
“As Christians, Jesus calls us to pray, stay alert and be peacemakers. We are to seek the peace and prosperity of the city (Jeremiah 29:7).
“Religious leaders must speak and act for peace. We must never justify the killing of any innocent person because of religious, ethnic or political sentiments,” the cleric said.
In his remark, Rev. Amos Kiri, President of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, and Guest Speaker, described the message as a clarion call for Christians to live according to Christ’s teachings.
“In our society today, our behaviour and conduct do not portray how Christ wants us to live.
“We must bear fruits worthy of emulation. We expect a change in understanding of what Christianity is and how we are supposed to live as Christians in this corrupt world,” Kiri said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was a historic moment that brought together members, friends and partners from across Nigeria and beyond. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed
