Catholic Church Warns Against Introducing Sharia Court In Southwest
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Catholic Church has warned against the introduction of Sharia court in Southwest Nigeria, saying it could lead to conflict especially in families with different religious beliefs.
Director of the Mission and Dialogue Department, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, stated this on Thursday at a Media Parley in Abuja.
He said any legal reform must respect religious diversity in Southwest Nigeria.
Fr. Emehel who acknowledged the constitutional allowances for Sharia law in personal matters, urged that it should be implemented cautiously to avoid disenfranchising other religious groups.
“The question at hand is the introduction of Sharia law in Southwest Nigeria, and the position of the Church must be clarified first and foremost. The current desire for Sharia law stems from dissatisfaction with the existing system.
“The Church views this situation through the lens of understanding and trust. It is essential to recognise that Southwest Nigeria is a melting pot of diverse religious beliefs. Favouring one group over another could lead to conflict, especially in families with different religious traditions.
“The Catholic Church in Nigeria calls for caution—not to dismiss the legitimate desires of the people, but to acknowledge that we do not exist in isolation. It is crucial that the implementation of these laws does not inhibit or restrict others in their practices.
“Our identity as Nigerians is paramount, and this must not be undermined. The constitution guarantees religious liberty, but careful consideration is necessary to prevent discrimination or exclusion,” he said.
National Director of the Directorate of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, said there is need to protect the sanctity of genuine religious practices and prevent any overreach that might hinder the free exercise of faith.
“We are all witnesses to the indecency and indiscipline prevalent in our country; religion has not been immune to this. Many individuals exploit religion for personal gain or use it for misguided purposes.
“If a government proposes measures to introduce checks and balances in this context, it aligns with one of its primary responsibilities: protecting the populace. This must be approached with great caution.”
The convener of the event added that,”We must recognise the vital role religion plays in social engineering. It contributes to the moral formation of individuals, regulates society, and helps people navigate life’s challenges.
“If a government seeks to address the wrongdoings of individuals misusing religion, such action is commendable. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we do not inadvertently discard valuable aspects of faith while addressing these issues, he said.
Director of the Pastoral Affairs Department, Rev. Fr. Augustine Fasiku,frowned at the rising incidents of kidnapping, especially Priests.
“The issue of kidnapping, particularly concerning priests and other individuals in our country, has become a significant problem. Kidnapping often arises from a desperate need for financial gain. The Church has taken a firm stance against these acts, as they are not representative of our values.
“This issue transcends the Church; it is a national concern that affects us all. We must collectively address the root causes of this problem. It is not just about peace; it impacts the entire country, as many people suffer from this crisis. The Church continues to speak out against those engaging in such acts, reminding us that the teachings of the Bible call for justice and compassion. Therefore, it is crucial that all hands are on deck to bring an end to these heinous acts,” he said.
