Catholic bishop calls on Nigerians to avoid extreme reactions

John Onaiyekan, the Catholic Bishop of Abuja Arch Diocese, has issued some advice, concerning religious violence.

According to Premium Times, the bishop has urged Nigerians, Christians and Muslims, alike, to avoid violent reactions to differences in religion.

Participating in a discussion on Devolution of Power as a Tool for National Integration in Abuja, he condemned the increasing cases of religious killings in the country.

I think in our country it is important that we condemn violent reaction to religious extremism.

If anybody is suggesting that because I have not shouted around too much about this, then its means that I condone it or that I am not a good Christian, I will simply say sorry," he stated.

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Bishop Onaiyekan also reacted to claims that the government or Muslims are in support of the killings of Christians.

“I am not aware that the Muslim community supports killing in the name of blasphemy.

Our constitution allows us to practice our religion; it allows us to change our religion.

If a person was a Muslim and he decides to become a Christian he is free to do that and nobody should molest him. And if anybody does so, that person has committed a crime and should be dealt with", he said.

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Do you agree?