The Northern Christians Religious Assembly has dismissed any suggestion that it is competing with the Christian Association of Nigeria, describing CAN as the umbrella body representing Christians across the country.
According to the Punch, the National President of NOCRELA, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, made the clarification during the inauguration and investiture of the Niger State chapter of the organisation in Minna, Niger State.
Daniel, who was represented at the event by the National Public Secretary, Rev. Bulus Yayaha, said the emergence of different Christian organisations should strengthen, rather than divide, the Christian community.
He stressed that such groups should complement CAN’s efforts by contributing their voices to issues affecting Christians.
“NOCRELA is not another organisation that is in rivalry with CAN, rather, it is a movement that compliments the workings of CAN as our umbrella Body. of the two major religions, Christians only have CAN whereas the other major religion has different recognised groups,” he said.
He added that NOCRELA’s responsibility was to remain firm in the Christian faith while supporting the activities and leadership of CAN.
Also speaking, the Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, said Christians in the state needed credible voices capable of speaking collectively on issues affecting them.
Yohanna, who was represented by his deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus, said the existence of different Christian groups should not prevent them from presenting a united front.
“We all can agree to speak with one voice.”
He further called on Christians to unite and support leaders who take positions on issues concerning the faith.
“This is the time we need people, both individuals and group of persons to speak for us; and for us to unite and speak with one voice.”
Yohanna also urged Christians to participate actively in issues concerning the church, noting that leaders sometimes lacked sufficient support when they took public positions.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Inauguration Committee, Evang. Charles Amatu, said the establishment of the Niger State chapter was overdue, noting that several other northern states had already constituted their NOCRELA executives.
The newly inaugurated State Chairman, Rev. Samuel Shaba, also charged members of the women’s wing, led by Hon. Deborah Salawu, to work closely with the state executive to advance the organisation’s objectives.
