The Catholic Church of Nigeria has described the Church as society’s moral compass for peace and development in times of uncertainty.

The director of the Department of Church and Society of the Catholic Church, Peter Babangida-Audu, said this in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Babangida-Audu spoke on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the Church and Society Department of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, in Abuja.

The cleric described the church as society’s moral compass, saying that it was called not to retreat but to lead. According to him, the church is called to be a credible witness to hope, a defender of human dignity, and an agent of integral development.

“Today’s gathering brings together the richness of our five units. Education, Health, Migrants and Refugees, Family and Human Life, and the Justice, Development and Peace Commission each contribute uniquely to the church’s social mission. When we bring these strengths together, we become a formidable force for national transformation, turning displacement to development.

“Our first sub-theme, ‘Displacement to Development: Solidarity with the Vulnerable in the Year of Hope’, reminds us of the millions of Nigerians displaced by conflict, poverty, natural disasters, and social instability. As a church, our response cannot end at providing relief. We must accompany people along the entire journey – from displacement to empowerment, from despair to dignity, from trauma to transformation,” he said.

He said that the church was called to chart a new socio-political course for Nigeria in the forthcoming 2027 elections, describing them as a watershed for the nation’s development.

Mr Babangida-Audu added, “We are called to examine our nation’s political horizon with seriousness and responsibility. The 2027 elections present a critical moment for our country, a watershed that would shape our development trajectory.

“As a church, we must form consciences, promote justice, insist on good governance, strengthen civic participation, and mobilise for peaceful political processes. Our JDPC structures are uniquely positioned to guide this process with integrity and courage. One of our strategic goals in the years ahead is to continue to build stronger inter-unit collaboration.

“No single unit can address Nigeria’s complex social challenges alone. Education influences peace building; family life affects migration; health supports development; JDPC drives governance and stability.”

He urged the church to rediscover its identity as a harbinger of hope, “one that speaks, acts, and serves with the conviction that Nigeria can rise again”.

(NAN)