The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has warned Christians against the activities of fake pastors and self-styled prophets, describing them as enemies of the gospel who prey on vulnerable people for personal gain.
Kaigama gave the warning on Sunday during his homily at St. Paul’s Parish, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The Archbishop said Christians must remain rooted in authentic Christian teaching and proclaim the Gospel through lives of love, compassion and service.
He expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of individuals who manipulate people in the name of religion.
“This challenge is unfortunately complicated by the activities of fake pastors and self-styled prophets who exploit and mislead vulnerable people.
“Such fake pastors are enemies of the Gospel. They parade themselves as prophets or spiritual gurus, when, in fact, they are spiritual charlatans,” he said.
The Archbishop noted that the Christian mission extends beyond preaching to practical service, stressing that every baptized Christian has a responsibility to become a witness to Christ in everyday life.
“Jesus did not entrust His mission exclusively to a chosen few, but to all His followers, and by extension, all of us. We are all commissioned missionaries,” he said.
He encouraged the faithful to begin their missionary work within their families, workplaces and communities by promoting justice, extending love to neighbours and supporting those in need.
Kaigama also cautioned against placing excessive confidence in modern technology while neglecting spiritual values.
“In a world where some openly reject religion, question the existence of God, and place excessive confidence in technology, including Artificial Intelligence… we must continue to proclaim the Gospel through both word and action,” he said.
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, the Archbishop said Jesus’ compassion for people who were “harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd” should inspire Christians to reach out to those burdened by hardship, insecurity, loneliness and poverty.
He reminded worshippers that God does not define people by their failures but by their dignity and potential.
“The devil knows your name but calls you by your sin. God knows your sin but calls you by your name,” he said.
Addressing candidates who received the Sacrament of Confirmation, Kaigama urged them to embrace their missionary vocation with courage.
“May the Holy Spirit build and transform you into agents of empathy, unity, and peace,” he prayed.
The Archbishop concluded by urging Christians to give freely of themselves in service to others.
“You received without charge, give without charge to those without hope; show compassion to those who are dejected, sidelined and abandoned by our society,” he said.
