Five Years After Their Temporary Exit, Catholic Church Returns to CAN
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, Samson Ayokunle, has announced the return of the Catholic Church to the association.
The Catholic Church exited the association in January 2013 during the tenure of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. The Catholic Church in its letter of temporary exit then, accused the leadership of the association of engaging in activities that negates the ”concept of the foundation of the association and the desire of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The return of the Catholic church was announced in a statement released by CAN president, Samson Ayokunle.
“Their return is one of the best things that have been happening since I was given the mandate to become the president of CAN. One of my visions for CAN is to bring our Catholic brothers and sisters back to the fold and I must acknowledge the support and understanding of my brother in Christ, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama, President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and his team. I give kudos to all the principal officers, the directors and some Christian leaders in the country for their support and understanding while the dialogue lasted. It is our prayers that the body of Christ in the country will remain one forever in Jesus’ name.
“At a time like this when Christians are almost becoming endangered species in Nigeria, when churches are being denied the certificate of occupancy especially in the core north, when Christians are being denied key public offices and when the church is expected to speak for the voiceless, especially over the economic and social hardship in our country, we cannot afford to be at war with one another. CAN is united in diversity. Jesus Christ prayed for the Church shortly before He returned to heaven in John chapter 17.”
