The Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Dr David Ajang, has urged Christians and other Nigerians to return to God by shunning negative tendencies capable of tarnishing their image and that of the country at large.
Mr Ajang made the call on Sunday during the Golden Jubilee Pastoral Visit and N100 million fundraising for the building of the Rectory of St Kizito’s Parish, Nasarawa, in the Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
The bishop, who took his reading from Acts 3:13-15, 17-19, 1John 2:1-5 and Luke 24:35-48, emphasised that some Christians are guilty in the presence of God due to some negative acts they commit at all times, calling for a change of attitude.
“Anybody who does not have a clear conscience, feel guilty, should fear God before you will inherit the kingdom of God,” he said.
According to Mr Ajang, anyone who claimed he know God and does not keep his commandments and equally obey them, the person has committed sins before God Almighty,
Besides, he charged Christians to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ, who died for mankind and advised believers to repent and return to God so that their sins should be forgiven.
Secretary, INEC Headquarters, Abuja, Dr Rose Anthony, who is also the chairlady of the occasion, Hajiya Hajarat Danyaro, member representing Nasarawa Central constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly and Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs, who is the mother of the occasion, represented by Mary Enwongulu, former minority leader, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, attended the event.
They urged Christians and other Nigerians to contribute positively to the development of the church and society in general.
They also said that givers never lack, adding that when one builds the church of the Lord, one will build one’s lives and activities positively.
On his part, the Parish Priest in charge of St Kizito’s Parish, Nasarawa, Dr Lawrence Soja-Anyembugu, said the programme was organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the parish.
He said that the church has within the week performed mass weddings for 35 couples and 270 persons who received first Holy Communion and confirmation.
He appreciated the bishop for the pastoral visit and members of the church who contributed positively to the success of the 50th anniversary of the parish.
“In the last 50 years of the church, the church has witnessed positive changes spiritually and physically. We thank God,” he said
The cleric urged Christians and other Nigerians to move closer to God to inherit the kingdom of God and for societal development.
(NAN)
