As part of efforts to ensure religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, Muslim and traditional leaders joined their Christian neighbours on Sunday at a special worship service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Lemu Road in Kaduna South local government area of Kaduna State.
The event was marked by an atmosphere of mutual respect, as traditional and religious leaders underscored the need to build bridges of trust and understanding amidst their diversity.
The Senior Pastor of ECWA Gospel Church, Rev. Joshua Nda Anyam, noted the diversity the people across communities but emphasised that these should never become barriers to peace.
“Whether we like it or not, there will continue to be differences between us. However, we must endeavour to maintain open doors for interaction to douse relational tensions and build bridges of trust, understanding, and respect among us,” he said.
Rev. Anyam called for empathy towards one another, emphasising the importance of embracing the golden rule from Christendom: “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,” citing Matthew 7:12.
He stressed that this universal principle should guide all interactions, encouraging adherents of all faiths to pursue values that strengthen oneness as a people under one God.
The pastor also strongly condemned those exploiting religious differences for selfish interests, warning that such actions undermine the fragile peace enjoyed by communities.
The cleric further called for joint condemnation for acts of desecration against religious scriptures, particularly the Holy Quran and the Holy Bible, which are held sacred by Muslims and Christians respectively.
“The desecration of our religious texts is unacceptable and must not be condoned anywhere,” Rev. Anyam declared, calling on religious leaders and followers to also impress upon government officials about their responsibility in protecting lives, properties, and ensure good governance.
He urged those present at the service to unequivocally condemn any acts of violence, killings, or destruction of property, regardless of which community is affected.
Earlier in his goodwill message, Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Resident communities, Mr. Ayokunle Adebayo, said the ‘Friends Day celebration is more than a religious event, but symbolic of hope of what Kaduna State and Nigeria can truly become when citizens rise above their differences and come together as one people under God.
“This gathering where Christian worshippers and Muslim faithful sit together in mutual respect and fellowship is a bold and beautiful act of peacebuilding. It sends a powerful message to our state, our nation, and the world that faith should unite us, not divide us,” Governor Sani said.
He commended the leadership of ECWA Church for opening their hearts and doors to their Muslim neighbours, describing that their willingness to promote understanding and co-existence as commendable.
“I also deeply appreciate the Panteka community and the Muslim residents who, for decades, have peacefully lived side-by-side with this church. You all represent the true Kaduna spirit – resilient, diverse, and peaceful”.
Governor Sani recall that his administration has championed a vision of inclusive and people-focused governance since his assumption of office.
“Our administration does not see religion, tribe, or background. It sees people. People with hopes, needs, and rights. We have worked tirelessly to build a Kaduna that belongs to everyone,” he stressed.
In another goodwill message, Deputy Speaker of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Henry Magaji Danjuma also commended the church for the initiative and urged the church to sustain it.
In his message, Rev (Dr) Yunusa Nmadu who initiated the service said the innovation was conceived when he served as the Senior Pastor of the church about 10 years ago.
He maintained that only God can give genuine rest, and called on all the people to seek God in all things.
Also, the Hakimi of Tudun Wada who was represented by the Chief Imam of Tudun Wada, Adamu Muhammad, as well as the Chairman of Panteka, represented by Adamu Nasiru, underscored the importance of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance.
The church service, attended by prominent Muslim leaders alongside Christian clergy and congregants highlighted the critical role of faith communities in fostering peaceful coexistence and reiterated a shared commitment to unity in Kaduna State and beyond.
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