The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, has called on the Church to speak out courageously against injustice, insecurity, corruption and other challenges confronting Nigerians, insisting that it must remain a voice of hope for vulnerable citizens.
Okoh said the Church must defend the rights of internally displaced persons, children denied access to education, unemployed youths, farmers unable to access their farmlands because of insecurity, women facing violence and communities affected by environmental degradation.
He made the call on Saturday while delivering his address at the 50th anniversary of CAN, held under the theme, “Walking Together in Faith.”
According to him, the Church must translate its faith into practical action through compassion, public advocacy and service to humanity.
“The gospel makes it impossible to remain indifferent to the living conditions of the vulnerable. Faith must find practical expression in compassion, service and advocacy. The Church must speak!” he declared.
The CAN president said the association’s golden jubilee provided an opportunity to reflect on its achievements, strengthen Christian unity and renew its commitment to national development.
He recalled that CAN was established in August 1976 when Christian leaders recognised the need for a united platform through which the Christian community could address issues of common interest.
Okoh described the association’s ability to bring together diverse Christian traditions under one ecumenical platform as a significant achievement, noting that its journey had not been without challenges.
He said the association initially struggled with mutual suspicion, prejudice and divisions among some Christian traditions, but successive leaders had worked to promote greater inclusion and equal participation.
“At 50, all the church traditions in Nigeria are represented in CAN through the following major blocs: CSN, CCN, CPFN/PFN, OAIC and TEKAN/ECWA. The last time I checked, no one is missing at the table,” he said.
He urged Christians to preserve the unity achieved over the past five decades and resist divisive tendencies, particularly exchanges capable of deepening hostility among believers on social media.
According to him, the association’s anniversary should remind Christians that unity is a continuing responsibility rather than an achievement that can be taken for granted.
He cited the biblical injunction to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, arguing that the Church’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than a tool for division.
Okoh also called for a more informed, courageous and evidence-based engagement by CAN on issues affecting the country over the next 50 years.
He said the Church must remain alert to developments concerning justice, human dignity, democratic institutions, constitutionalism, religious freedom, accountability and the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
However, he cautioned that the Church’s prophetic responsibility must not be confused with partisan opposition or indiscriminate criticism of government policies.
“A responsible watchman must be accurate. He should not raise alarm simply because he dislikes a policy or disagrees with a political leader,” he said.
The CAN president stressed that the association must distinguish facts from rumours, legitimate disagreements from injustice, and responsible prophetic warnings from partisan attacks.
He argued that the Church’s moral authority would be strengthened by truthful assessments, credible evidence and careful analysis of public issues.
On relations between the Church and the State, Okoh advocated what he described as “critical collaboration”, urging religious leaders to cooperate with government where necessary for the common good while challenging it whenever justice demands.
He said the relationship should neither be hostile nor submissive, adding that political withdrawal, political capture and permanent antagonism were unhealthy for the country.
“Collaborate where common good requires it, challenge where justice requires challenge, commend where government does well and warn where government fails, while maintaining the Church’s independence,” he said.
Okoh maintained that CAN must remain a prophet of hope, expressing confidence that Nigeria could overcome its challenges if prayer was matched with responsible action, integrity and accountable leadership.
“Nigeria can be better — Nigeria will be better! But hope requires responsibility: prayer must be accompanied by positive action, faith by integrity, leadership by accountability and freedom by responsibility,” he said.
Looking ahead, he called for greater institutional maturity and collective action within CAN, including stronger capacity for research, advocacy, social intervention and constructive engagement with public institutions.
He also urged the association to expand its contribution to environmental protection, climate resilience, ethical technological development and the defence of human dignity.
Addressing political leaders, the CAN president called for good governance, respect for the Constitution, prudent management of public resources, protection of citizens and stronger institutions.
“The message of the Church to those in governance must be clear: govern well, serve faithfully, protect the people, respect the constitution, account for public resources, listen to citizens, protect the vulnerable, strengthen institutions and make Nigeria great,” he said.
He equally charged Christians to pray for the country and its leaders, serve the nation, promote reconciliation and demonstrate integrity, compassion and diligence in their respective fields.
The anniversary featured plans to recognise individuals whose contributions and service had helped strengthen the Church in Nigeria, including some recipients of posthumous awards.
Okoh said the awards were intended to acknowledge the diverse gifts and contributions of those who had served the Church, while encouraging recipients to deepen their involvement in CAN’s activities at all levels.
He concluded by praying for President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, the Christian community and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
