CAN Preaches Mutual Respect, Peaceful Coexistence At Easter

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Nigerians, especially Christians to use the Easter season as a time for deep reflection, earnest prayer, and spiritual renewal as well as embrace mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

In his Easter message to Christians on Sunday, the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh urged Nigerians to strengthen their bonds of fellowship, extend compassion to those in need, and strive to build a more just and caring society.

Okoh called for intentional acts of kindness and charity by reaching out to the marginalised and those suffering, and promoting dialogue and reconciliation to foster greater unity within communities and across the nation.

“In the spirit of Easter, may we reach out to neighbours of other faiths, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. May this season be one of harmony and goodwill for all Nigerians. May it inspire us to live out the values of love, peace, and forgiveness in our everyday lives.

“This is a moment of deep spiritual significance as we commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Easter stands as the cornerstone of our faith, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity.

“His resurrection is a powerful testament to the might of God, offering us hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life,” he said.

On the essence of the resurrection, the CAN President cited Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:14: “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

He stressed that, “This verse encapsulates the essence of Easter and the very foundation of our belief. Let us reflect on this divine mystery and renew our commitment to living in accordance with His teachings.

“In Nigeria, Easter is not only a religious observance but also a vibrant cultural celebration. From the colourful parades in the streets of Lagos to the solemn processions in the villages of the North, some of which begin with the waving of palm branches a week before, this period reveals the rich blend of our nation’s diverse expressions of faith and tradition.

“It is a time when families gather, communities unite, and our rich cultural heritage is showcased through music, dance, and festive gatherings. These celebrations beautifully reflect both our faith and our shared identity.”

“We remain mindful of the many challenges faced by our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially in regions where they endure persecution for their beliefs. Yet, even in the face of adversity, the spirit of Easter endures,” he stated.

He said the Easter season should remind Nigerians that, just as Christ rose from the dead, they too can rise above trials through faith, resilience, and unity.

“The resurrection affirms that light will always triumph over darkness and love will conquer fear. Let us draw strength from this truth and continue to support one another in faith.

“As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord, may our hearts be filled with the message of victory that it brings to strengthen us in the face of adversity,” he prayed.