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Insurgency, a threat to human existence, says cleric

By Cleopatra Eki
09 November 2015   |   1:34 am
The plight of Christians living in areas of affected by terrorism has come into sharp focus, with some men of God lamenting the ugly situation.

InsurgentsThe plight of Christians living in areas of affected by terrorism has come into sharp focus, with some men of God lamenting the ugly situation. The recent was Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Revered Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo, who said, “The incessant reports of terrorism, both local and internationally, is fast becoming a global threat to human existence. However, God promised to intervene and reduce the sufferings and plight of man.”

He made the call during the 3-day visit where he administered the sacrament to 80 Catholic parishioners at the Confirmation Mass and thanksgiving held at Catholic Church of Transfiguration, Arepo, Ogun State.

Lamenting the crisis and challenges being faced by Christians, people and families in the North Eastern part of country where insurgency poses daily threat to human existence, Odetoyinbo observed that Christian in the South West and other areas with fewer cases of insurgents have no cause to be unsteady in their faith.

He expressed his sympathy for those people, families and Christians facing persecution and said their faith in God Almighty would continue to strengthen them and prayed God to grant them freedom from their persecutors.

The 80 parishioners were those who successfully scaled through the rigorous catechism training and tests. He urged them to change from their old ways to become worthy followers and apostles of Christ. According to him, ”You are now confirmed as worthy ambassadors of Christ. Your attitude, conduct and behavior must be Christ-like. You are also to be the vanguard of evangelism, winning souls for Christ”.

Odetoyinbo also charged them to participating more actively in church activities because it is one of the many ways to allow the Church of God to remain alive and grow from strength to strength.

Father Charles Soyombo, in his remarks, expressed joy and happiness towards the administration of the sacrament and confirmation by His Lordship, Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo to members. He appreciated God and the bishop for the visit, saying, “We now have 80 newly confirmed parishioners. We have a better equipped church in Arepo who have become soldiers of Christ.”

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