The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Samson
Ayokunle, has announced the return of the Catholic Church to the
association.
The Catholic Church exited the association in January 2013 during the
tenure of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. The Catholic Church in its letter of
temporary exit then, accused the leadership of the association of
engaging in activities that negates the ”concept of the foundation of
the association and the desire of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The return of the Catholic church was announced in a statement released by CAN president, Samson Ayokunle.
“Their return is one of the best things that have been happening
since I was given the mandate to become the president of CAN.
One of my
visions for CAN is to bring our Catholic brothers and sisters back to
the fold and I must acknowledge the support and understanding of my
brother in Christ, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, President, Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and his team.
I give kudos to all the
principal officers, the directors and some Christian leaders in the
country for their support and understanding while the dialogue lasted.
It is our prayers that the body of Christ in the country will remain one
forever in Jesus’ name.
“At a time like this when Christians are almost becoming
endangered species in Nigeria, when churches are being denied the
certificate of occupancy especially in the core north, when Christians
are being denied key public offices and when the church is expected to
speak for the voiceless, especially over the economic and social
hardship in our country, we cannot afford to be at war with one
another.
CAN is united in diversity. Jesus Christ prayed for the Church
shortly before He returned to heaven in John chapter 17.”