Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called for more efforts from residents of the FCT to promote inter-religious peace and unity in the territory.
The mandate secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Hadiza Kabir while speaking at an inter-faith forum organised by the agency, said there was a need for the two – dominant religions in the country to be respected at all levels.
Kabir said the programme tagged ‘Peaceful co-existence and importance of fasting’ during Ramadan and Lent would reorient the minds of Christians and Muslims on a lifestyle that will make Nigerians more united.
She said people of both faiths must understand and practice the teachings of the dominant -religions to deepen peace in society.
“Nigeria has always been a secular state, thus the views and ways of life of the two – dominant religions in the country must be respected.
“We have always lived together as one, we marry each other, we attend the same schools, we work in the same place and environment, and do so many other things together. Therefore, the need to co-exist and live together cannot be over-emphasized,” she said.
One of the speakers and a Catholic priest with the Archdiocese of Abuja, Rev. Robert Achiaga said people should create a seat for God in their hearts and avoid issues that will ignite crises.
“There is a reason that God created us to live together as humans, so we have to respect each one’s religion. No need to disagree among ourselves. We must create a seat for God in our hearts, to avoid the issues that will divide us.
“Pastors and Imams or religious leaders must not only teach their followers the theoretical aspects, but they must practice what they teach, that is the only way to continue to live in peace with people from other faiths,” he said.
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