Traditional rulers, church leaders urged to support peacebuilding, not encourage crises
The Bishop of the United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN) Episcopal Area covering the districts of Cameroon, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, has called on traditional rulers to support the Church and government in efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence and stability in society. The bishop, who made the call during the weekend at the closing session of […] Traditional rulers,…
Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN) Episcopal Area, which spans Cameroon, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau, has urged traditional rulers to aid the Church and government in fostering peaceful coexistence and stability across society. During the conclusion of a five-day "Roundtable Peace Talk" in Jalingo, Taraba State, the bishop emphasized the importance of church leaders playing an active role in peacebuilding, beyond merely preaching the gospel.
He stressed the necessity of promoting reconciliation, tolerance, and unity among community members.
Emmanuel highlighted that the recent peace discussion equipped UMCN leaders with practical knowledge and skills, which they are expected to impart to their congregations and the surrounding communities. He underscored that peace should not be seen as optional but rather as a collective duty, stressing the need for deliberate education on the importance of sustaining peace and unity within society.
Addressing the role of media, Bishop Emmanuel cautioned journalists and media managers to be vigilant and responsible in their reporting. He warned that incorrect information could spread misinformation, potentially leading to societal crises. "When journalists provide false information, misinformation becomes the focal point, which can trigger conflict in society," he cautioned.
Similarly, international peace and conflict expert Reverend Neal Christie from the United States encouraged participants to apply the insights gained from the five-day programme. Christie praised Bishop Emmanuel for organizing the Roundtable Peace Talk, calling it timely and relevant to promoting peace in society.
On behalf of traditional rulers, Kur Jibu Abubakar Mahmoud appealed for joint efforts to enhance peaceful coexistence and national unity. Mahmoud urged religious leaders to continually educate their followers on the importance of dialogue and resolving disputes peacefully when disagreements arise.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
