Prof. Remy Uche, Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria (SSPN), Knights of St. John International (KSJI), has beckoned Christians in Nigeria to endure whatever human-made religion-based odds or biases currently against them and take the path of example and extend the spirit of real love, happiness and tolerance for one another to the people of other religions or faiths in the country.
This he said would create the elusive convivial atmosphere that would encourage and breed peace and tranquillity, as well as eliminate mutual suspicions that tend to create unnecessary conflict among the citizens because of religion differences and intolerance.
The country’s president of the Roman Catholic organisation, who spoke in his Christmas and new year message, signed on his behalf by his chief of staff, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, was of the opinion that with spirit of tolerance, true love, peace and happiness with one another in the country, which he observed is what the mood of the season is, being what Jesus Christ taught and enjoined everyone to uphold, the frequent religion induced crisis that has been a perennial burden of the country would reduce tremendously, if not get eliminated.
Prof. Uche noted that mutual suspicion arising from religion issues, especially intolerance, due to lack of respect, love and happiness among the people of different regions, cultures and ways had been a major factor in the lingering crisis between mainly Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.
He believes that as soon as genuine intentions of love and happiness, well wrapped with mutual respect for one another, dwells in the hearts of the different peoples, mutual suspicion which triggers crisis would vanish and give way to peace, love, happiness and tranquillity in the country.
Prof. Uche emphasised that the season of Christmas shouldn’t be a period for conflicts and religious intolerance but should rather, in the spirit of the core values of Christ be used to advance the cause of peace, justice, fairness and return to tranquillity and orderliness.
He encouraged Christians, particularly members of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) to find time during the season to invite people of other faiths to their homes and places of worship to celebrate the Christmas, as a bold step towards closing the yawning gap.
The Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria (SSPN), condemned the various religion-orchestrated violence in many parts of the country and called for cessation of such hostilities which he described as unnecessary that lead to undevelopment and perfidy. He reminded KSJI members that Christmas season was also a period for sober reflection, indepth thought and self examination that would enable them to find out if anyone had been engaging in unwholesome behaviour of religious bigotry inimical to peace, orderliness and tranquillity in the country, especially against people of other religions.
On behalf of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery Nigeria Joint Board, the SSPN wished every member of the Order in Nigeria a delightful Christmas celebration and a brighter new year, praying God to guide and protect them all through the season and the new year.
Source: Drumnewsonline
