The Taraba State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for stronger collaboration between the Church, government and traditional institutions to promote peace, unity, good governance and sustainable development in the state.

The call was contained in a 10-point communiqué issued at the end of the three-day Ministers of the Gospel Conference held from August 18 to 21, 2026, at the CAN Secretariat along FGGC road, Jalingo.

The conference, themed “The Roles of the Church and the State in Advancing God’s Purpose in a Changing World,” brought together bishops, pastors, church leaders, traditional rulers, politicians and CAN leaders from the 16 local government areas and two development areas of Taraba, as well as across the country.

The event also featured the launch of N10 billion for the reconstruction of the 5,000-capacity CAN Auditorium in Jalingo. CAN described the fundraising launch as successful, noting that the chief launcher, deputy chief launcher and other participants made generous donations.

In the communiqué signed by CAN Chairman in Taraba, Rev. Fr. Williams P. Awoshiri, and Chairman of the Conference Working Committee, Bishop (Dr.) Innocent R. Solomon, the association said the Church and State had distinct but complementary roles in nation-building.

CAN said the Church had a spiritual and moral duty to preach the gospel, defend human dignity, promote peace and justice, care for vulnerable people and speak for the voiceless, while government was responsible for security, justice, essential services and creating an enabling environment for development.

The association urged Christians in political offices to see their positions as a responsibility and an opportunity for service rather than personal advancement. It cited biblical figures such as Joseph, Daniel, Esther and Nehemiah as examples of integrity and effective leadership.

CAN also urged the Church to provide moral and ethical leadership without becoming an instrument of partisan politics. It said the Church should prepare Christians not only for participation in elections but also for responsible service in governance, including fields such as economics, security, law, agriculture, education and technology.

On Church-State relations, the association called for constitutional independence, mutual respect and constructive cooperation. It urged the Church to complement government efforts in education, healthcare, poverty reduction and peacebuilding while retaining the courage to speak truth to power when necessary.

The association further called for greater consultation between government and traditional rulers, describing traditional institutions as important custodians of culture and grassroots values. It said traditional rulers should be involved in policies affecting their communities.

CAN expressed concern over divisions among Christians and urged church leaders to resolve differences within and across denominations. It stressed that denominational differences should not undermine Christian unity or become a source of conflict.

The association also resolved to establish continuous channels of engagement among church leaders, traditional rulers and Christian politicians beyond election periods and crises. Such engagement, it said, should address government policies and issues affecting citizens.

CAN called for greater involvement of church leaders in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, particularly because of Taraba’s multi-ethnic composition and history of communal conflicts. It urged leaders to adopt early intervention mechanisms and traditional methods of dispute resolution.

The association called for sustained spiritual revival within the Church, urging leaders to emulate the early Christian model of teaching, fellowship, prayer and sharing. It said CAN must evolve beyond ceremonial activities and become a stronger platform for moral leadership, social cohesion and service.

CAN said Taraba possessed abundant natural resources capable of transforming its economy but stressed that such potential could only be harnessed in an atmosphere of peace, unity and peaceful coexistence.

The association therefore urged church leaders to preach peace, discourage denominational rivalry and work collectively with government and traditional institutions to promote social transformation and improve the welfare of the people of Taraba State.