Christians have been encouraged to speak out whenever they see injustice and should become agents of creating positive change in their economic status.
President Board of Trustees JPRM/POCC, Rev. Hon. Istifanus Habila, made this made known while addressing Christians, at the ceremonial opening and the 27th Annual Synod Meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria “Synod of the North” held on Saturday 7th May 2022 in Jos South, Plateau state.
Rev Habila, said that the church should unite and speak out against the killings of Christians and teach their followers how to stand against injustice. He further stated that the church should learn how to use modern technology, get empowerment and funding, also dominate online platforms and use it for good.
“We have not done enough as Christians and as people called out by God to be responsible in society, to be able to address the situation. As we know Nigeria is overwhelmed with a lot of things and as children of God called out to be different and to make a difference we must be to change the situation.”
“As clergy we have a lot of responsibility in terms of helping our members, creating and attending seminars on security, and being informed on ways to secure ourselves better. We must be able to take decisions to change the situation and be at the forefront to do that.” Rev Habila further stated.
Rt Rev. Dr. Isaac Afolayan, Moderato Synod of the North, said the Theme “A Royal Priesthood in the 21st Century Church” was to discuss the challenges faced by the priests of God in the 21st century. He noted that in the face of such challenges it was key not to give up, but rather to empower God’s people to speak out.
He said the Synod is another greater step toward taking the gospel beyond the shores of Nigeria and beyond the Presbyterian catchment area and will help establish faith in the heart of the people.
Rt Rev. Ini Okpoho, National Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations for the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, stated that the Synod of the North covers 19 States in Northern Nigeria and the FCT thereby representing the presbyterian church in more than half of the county. He noted that gospel ministry in the North is not an easy task because of the terrain and the vast amount of land to cover but however encouraged
The Synod commissioner, and mother of the Day, Elder Dr. Amb. Theodora Usman JP said it was a joyous moment coming together for the 3days meeting which has attracted the presence of God. She said the Synod has promoted unity, with the outpouring of the glory of God.
The high point of the Synod was the generous donations made by various individuals and groups towards the work of the missions in the North and the establishment of the Presbyterian Bible collage in the North which is focused on training indigenous ministers for the work of the ministry.
