Atta Barkindo, the director of the Kukah Centre, has called on churches to regenerate the missionary spirit, promote dialogue and education, and actively participate in politics to promote democracy, peace and development in Nigeria.

Mr Barkindo said this on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Mr Barkindo, who doubles as the head of the secretariat of the National Peace Committee (NPC), said achieving peace and development in Nigeria was much more than trying to promote nationalism, patriotism, and national unity.

He lamented that Nigeria had experienced all forms of violent conflict before and after its independence in 1960.

Mr Barkindo lamented that conflicts had destroyed the foundation of nationhood and deepened the culture of impunity and complete lack of accountability.

Therefore, he said that to address the challenges to driving peace and development, Nigeria first needed to enthrone the rule of law and accountability, end the culture of impunity, promote common citizenship, and manage diversity.

“To achieve this, the church and her theologians have a role to play,” he said.

Mr Barkindo urged that the church must return to being the church

for the poor and the underprivileged. 

He added that missionaries must read, understand and appreciate the context of the societies they serve and the people’s historical, cultural and linguistic situation while serving them from within and supporting them in their struggles.

On education, said the church must return to taking the education of the communities they serve seriously, not only Western forms but critical education that respects family and community values, protecting the dignity of the human person.

“Our education systems must involve common religious studies,” he said.

Speaking further, the director stressed the need for a change of strategy in how inter-religious dialogue was studied and conducted.

“There has to be rigorous study and understanding of the other. Platforms for constant engagement must be created, and dialogue forums to counter extremism and intolerance in local communities must be created. We must also teach our lay faithful to participate in politics to promote democracy actively.

“The driving force of democracy is that it presents us with the best instruments for managing our diversity, creating inclusiveness, and breaking down the boundaries of exclusion. We must be at the table and be part of the decision-making process to enhance a pluralistic society,” Mr Barkindo said.

(NAN)