Some African communities, particularly in Cameroon, have accused the Church of disrespecting their cultures under the guise of inculturation (adapting Christianity to local customs). This has sparked a debate on balancing cultural respect with the integrity of the Catholic faith.

The Wimbum people from Cameroon's North West region recently petitioned the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. They claim that the Catholic Church is desecrating their culture by incorporating elements from their secret societies into religious processions and using secret masquerades in church ceremonies.

The petition strongly condemned these actions, stating "Our traditions are not mere rituals; they are the lifeblood of our identity, connecting us to our ancestors and shaping our existence".

Similar concerns have been raised by the Nso people in the Kumbo Diocese and Cameroon's North West region. These communities argue that the Church's efforts at inculturation are eroding their cultural heritage.

Contrastingly, in Nigeria, Catholic bishops are concerned that some priests are misusing inculturation by incorporating local customs. Some suggest that they are inconsistent with Catholic doctrine.

Father Stan Chu Ilo, a research professor of Ecclesiology and African Studies, criticised certain priests for creating a "shocking liturgical hybridity" that confuses the faithful and undermines the Church's teachings.

Ilo argued that these practices are not rooted in African religious traditions. He suggested they are instead misguided attempts to blend Christianity with local customs.

Make Gospel more accessible

The concept of inculturation, which gained prominence during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), aims to integrate authentic cultural values into Christianity to make the Gospel more accessible.

However, the process requires a deep understanding of both the Gospel and local cultures.

Father Humphrey Tatah Mbuy, a Catholic observer in Cameroon, emphasised that inculturation is a "dynamic relationship between the local church and the culture of its people" requiring careful dialogue and study.

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja acknowledged the challenges of inculturation, noting that many African communities have spiritual underpinnings that can enrich the Christian faith. However, he cautioned that some conflicts arise from a "colonial mindset" that views African traditions as incompatible with Christianity.

Mbuy and Ilo called for better education and the formation of Catholic priests to ensure that inculturation is undertaken correctly. Mbuy stressed that true inculturation requires collaboration between theologians and cultural experts to ensure that adaptations are appropriate and respectful of both faith and tradition.

Sources

Crux Now

"I couldn't pray because of the shock I was in. Whenever I opened my mouth to pray, words failed me. All I could say was ‘Lord, have mercy.'"

ACN's report, titled "Nigeria: A Bleeding Wound," shares some of the firsthand testimonies of Catholic faithful who have survived torture, kidnappings, and massacres at the hands of Nigerian terrorists.

In May 2021, Awesuh and 10 of his parishioners were kidnapped from St. John Paul II Parish in Nigeria's Kaduna state by radical Islamic Fulani attackers.

Awesuh was alone in his room at 11 p.m. when he heard gunshots. Terrified, he turned out the lights and waited.

"I stood there confused, not knowing what to do, as I felt completely lost. There was a knock on the door. My legs went cold and my body stiff. I was sweating profusely," Awesuh said. "They broke down the door and forced themselves inside. One of the men pushed me to the floor, tied me up, and flogged me mercilessly."

Awesuh and his parishioners were marched barefoot through the wilderness for three days. They were then held captive in harsh conditions for more than a month until a large ransom could be paid.

Eventually, Awesuh and his parishioners were ransomed, but not before three parishioners were shot dead during a rescue attempt.

"I narrowly escaped death," Awesuh said. Yet, he said, there are many priests there who have not been as fortunate.

"I know of so many priests kidnapped before and after me who were killed even after a ransom was paid," Awesuh said.

In 2022 alone more than 5,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, according to religious freedom watchdog Open Doors International.

As a Catholic priest in Nigeria, Awesuh faces some of the highest risks of kidnapping, torture, and murder of any person in the world.

"Kidnappings are a hallmark of terrorist organizations in Nigeria … and clergy are increasingly being targeted," the new ACN report said.

With over 30 million faithful, Catholics make up a large minority in Nigeria, accounting for approximately 14.82% of the country's population.

Yet, violent persecution in Nigeria has become a growing concern in recent years, according to many religious freedom organizations, including ACN.

Both priests and lay faithful are regularly targeted by Islamic terror groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and militant Fulani. Continue reading

Luka Binniyat, a Catholic human rights reporter, is facing prison after writing an article in which the Nigerian government was criticised for its inaction in the face of an ongoing threat to Christian communities.

In the article, Binniyat reported on charges that Kaduna State's Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, had mischaracterised the massacre of unarmed Christians as a "clash" between villagers and herdsmen.

Read More

In a recent example last month, two priests were abducted from a parish function at a Catholic Church in Kaduna state. Four days later the murdered body (pictured left) of one was found. The other (pictured right) escaped.

A statement from the diocese says the priest was "brutally killed on the same day of his abduction".

The priests' kidnapping adds to the growing list of Catholic abductions and killings in Nigeria.

So far no one has claimed responsibility for the abductions which are becoming more commonplace. Around a dozen priests have been kidnapped at gunpoint this year in Nigeria, with at least seven snatched in July. Ransom payments for their return are demanded.

The UK-based human rights foundation, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, has described Nigeria's Kaduna state as "an epicentre of kidnapping and violence by non-state actors".

This is backed by a 2022 report by the US Commission for International Religious Freedoms. It cites six attacks against churches in Kaduna in 2021.

Nigerian security forces have failed to prevent these attacks.

Blood money

Many say Nigeria's high unemployment rate pushes citizens into a life of crime, including kidnapping for ransom. They claim kidnappers do not usually harm their victims so long as they are paid.

But increasingly, victims do not come back alive or are subject to inhumane acts. Just what has changed to escalate kidnapping to murder is not known.

What is known is the violence is growing and Catholics seem to be targeted.

Last month, at least 50 churchgoers were killed and dozens more injured when gunmen attacked a Sunday mass in Ondo State, leaving the community devastated.

Their slaughter has become known as the ‘Owo church massacre'.

The state Governor described the act as "vile and satanic".

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has been blamed for this attack. So far, no arrests have been made.

Nigeria's Minister of the Interior says they have "been able to locate the perpetrators of that horrendous attack. From all indications, we are zeroing in on ISWAP".

At the time, the Vatican press office said: "The pope has learned of the attack ... and the deaths of dozens of worshippers … Francis prays for the victims and the country…"

Are Catholics really being targeted?

It is unclear why Catholics are being targeted more than other Christian denominations.

Of Nigeria's 70 million Christians, 19 million are Catholic and 18 million Anglican. In addition, there is a diverse group of Protestant churches with significant numbers.

A Lagos-based Catholic says the Church is not sure if Catholics are being targeted.

Muslims, particularly in north Nigeria, have also been targeted in terrorist attacks.

"But we know it is our Church that was attacked and … people were killed and many injured ... some deadly injuries, some minor," he says.

A confrere agrees, but also says an attack in a Catholic Church is an attack on all Christians.

Many would like the Vatican to speak out more about targeted Christians victimised in Nigeria.

Source

• The Africa Report

The Independent National Electoral Commission issues the cards.

The priests justified their stance in denying entry to those without a PVC, telling them it's because "there is no way you have Christians filling up the church but only a handful of them go to vote during elections."

"So, it means ­our population and numbers mean nothing. We want Christians to take their responsibilities and roles seriously," one says.

"So, today, I am serious about it. As I'm standing here, if you have your permanent voter card — begin to come in. But if you don't have your PVC, find your way back home. You won't attend Mass here."

As political processes preceding the 2023 general elections continue to heighten, private, public and religious organisations have intensified campaigns for their staff and members respectively to get their PVCs to enable them to exercise their civic responsibility.

One campaign strategy last Thursday saw the Alaba International Market in Lagos shut down for traders to obtain their PVCs.

Another strategy saw a law firm threaten to withhold the salaries of its staff members if they did not have voter cards ahead of the 2023 elections.

Source

• Sahara Reporters

"I have been reliably informed that Father David Echioda has been released by his abductors. Thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time," said an official of the Diocese of Otukpo in a message to priests on March 3.

Father Echioda was abducted by armed assailants on March 1 as he was driving back to the seminary where he works in Ochobo. Read more

A police raid on Oct. 14 found them chained and subjected to various physical abuses inside the boarding school based in Katsina.

Katsina's police chief Sanusi Buba told reporters that the house had more than 300 young men. "They rebelled because of inhuman treatment they have suffered," he said.

According to him, the school was set up 40 years ago by a 78-year-old Muslim cleric, Bello Mai Almajirai. The residents come from various parts of Nigeria and the neighbouring Niger. Read more

I

Hard on the heels of the murder of 238 Christians in Plateau State the weekend before last, a church, hospital and some 17 houses were torched in a central Nigerian village during an hour-long raid.

Armed Fulani herdsmen are being held responsible for the killings.

"What is happening in Plateau State and other select states in Nigeria is pure genocide and must be stopped immediately," the Christian Association of Nigeria and church denominational heads in Plateau State said.

The Association is appealing to the Nigerian government "to stop this senseless and blood shedding in the land and avoid a state of complete anarchy where the people are forced to defend themselves."

Major Umar Adams, spokesman of the military Special Task Force, said four people had been arrested in connection with the latest attack and the force had been ordered to relocate its headquarters to the troubled area.

The Nigerian House of Representatives has now passed a number of resolutions in relation to the attacks, including one declaring the killings in Plateau State as genocide.

The House directed the federal government to immediately set up orphanages in areas affected by recent killings which have left many children orphans.

Condemning the killings and massacres in the strongest terms, the lower chamber urged government to take decisive steps to stop the killings and secure communities that had been under persistent attacks.

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode of the Angry People Democratic Party has been tweeting about his concerns for peace, while genocide and an islamisation agenda exist:

"We want peace but can there be peace without justice?

"Can there be peace when one seeks to ethnically cleanse and exterminate the other?

"Can there be peace where there is genocide and an islamisation agenda?

"Can there be peace when one race seeks to dominate and subjugate another?" he asks.

Source

• Christian Post
• The Express
• The Vanguard
• This Day
• Image: TVC News

The centre had only recently been rebuilt after Boko Haram destroyed it in 2014. Read more

During the attack, a priest was shot and two people "mercilessly beaten." The perpetrators also shot continuously at seminary rector's residence.

The attack was allegedly carried out by Fulani herdsmen on Monday.

In response, Ezeokafor is quoted to have asked Nigerian Christians to get ready for war against the killers.

He accused the Federal Government of being insensitive to the plights of Nigerian Christians.

"Some people, somewhere have declared a full-scale war against Nigerian Christians.

"We have to be vigilant. It is obvious we are no longer needed.

"It is now a full declared war. We have to safeguard our lives. We must defend ourselves.

"We will not allow these bloodsucking demons to continue to kill and maim us like chickens," Ezeokafor said.

The Fulani herdsmen are said to be unhappy with security men in the seminary for trying to prevent them from grazing their cattle on the institution's land.

In contrast to Ezeokafar's warlike response, the Catholic Bishop of Jalingo Diocese, Dr Charles Hammawa, who was shot in the attack, described the attack on the seminary and the targeting of priests as regrettable.

He urged government to be more serious in handling security issues in the country.

Rev. Fr Evaristus Bassey, Director of Caritas Nigeria, pleaded for prayers in a WhatsApp message.

"Please fathers, pray for us. Our minor seminary in Jalingo has just been attacked by the Fulani, some students are injured, some cars destroyed, two priests beaten and one shot in the leg," he said.

A month ago the Fulani herdsmen attacked St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Nigeria's Benue State, killing two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners.

Churches in Nigeria staged peaceful protests in various parts of the country on 29 April, protesting killings in various parts of the country.‎

Source

• New Telegraph
• Sahara Reporters
• Punch
• Image: Bodedolu

The exact number of dead and wounded is not clear. Between 15 and 19 people are said to have died while numerous others were shot.

The Ayar-Mbalom community is located in Nigeria's "Middle Belt" where the Muslim north meets the Christian south.

Muslim Fulani herdsmen are suspected of being responsible for the attack.

Over the past few years, the herdsmen have mostly attacked Christian farmers. There are both religious and ethnic undertones to the violence.

In a recent Facebook post one of the dead priests, Fr Joseph Gor, wrote: "Living in fear. The fulani herdsmen are still around us in Mbalom. They refuse to go. They still go grazing around us. No weapons to depend on ourselves."

Father Moses Iorapuu, the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Makurdi, said the herdsmen attacked "in their classic style," burning down homes, destroying food, and killing people.

"The police seem to know nothing of the attacks which have been going on in other villages within Benue State since the Anti-Open Grazing Law came into effect last year" he said.

Over 100 people have been killed by Fulani herdsmen since the beginning of the year.

Iorapuu said in a statement given to the press that "It has been the goal of the jihadists to conquer Benue and Tiv people who resisted their advance into the middle-belt since 1804."

The priest accused the rest of the country of having little sympathy for the Benue people, and expressed his fears that the violence will cause thousands of people in the state to be displaced.

He also noted the good the local Catholic Church has been doing in the area.

"The diocese has been active in providing relief materials including education and skills-acquisition lessons," Iorapuu said.

"To go for the priests means total destruction of everything we stand for and believe in!"

Source

• All Africa
• Crux Now
• Image: Crux Now

Priests of Ahiara diocese, Mbaise in Nigeria's Imo state have consistently refused to accept Okpaleke since his appointment nearly six years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed Okpaleke Bishop of Ahiara.

Local clergy and faithful objected to his appointment.

They rejected him as an ethnic outsider in Mbaise and prevented him from entering the cathedral to take possession of the diocese.

Mbaise, a Catholic stronghold, includes an amalgam of indigenous clans connected by intermarriage.

Last June Francis asked clergy in the diocese to write, pledging their fidelity to him (ie the Pope), and expressing willingness to accept Okpaleke.

He repeated his request last August.

He also told them if they did not write such a letter, they would face suspension from the priesthood,

Over 200 clergy wrote expressing their fidelity to him as Pope, but explaining they could not accept Okpaleke.

Okpaleke wrote to Francis last week tendering his resignation.

He told Francis he had not been able to take possession of the diocese or live within its territory because of continuing "violent reaction and resistance".

The Vatican's press release about the situation says Francis has accepted Okpaleke's resignation and has "thanked him for his love for the Church."

It also says Francis "does not intend to appoint a new Bishop in Ahiara, but (…) reserves to himself the right to continue to have a special and particular concern for this Diocese."

He has appointed an Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, Bishop of Umuahia, to whom he has granted all the faculties of a Bishop.

Source

• Vatican News
• Reuters
• Image: Crux Now

In his opinion, not only do Muslims have a right to Islamise Nigeria because a Muslim is in power, Christians gave away the opportunity to Christianise the country.

"I've always shared the view of one of our leaders, John Cardinal Onaiyekan. I believe that Muslims have an Islamisation agenda and they have a right to have it.

"Do Christians have a Christianisation agenda? Yes, I hope so, and we have a right to have it. The Muslims are pursuing an agenda; why are we not pursuing ours?

"For many years, Nigeria had a larger number of Christians in power. We failed when we should have worked and, even now, instead of trying to catch up on our lapses, we're busy pointing fingers."

Badejo says Islamic people seek to Islamise the world, just as Christians seek to evangelise others. Both are legitimate aims - but Christians are not doing much evangelising.

He notes that Nigeria's Christians are "not an insignificant population" - so what kind of Christians does the country hold, he wonders.

"A large part of Christians today are Christians in name, who pursue power, position, privileges. That's not Christianity."

Source

• Daily Post
• Image:YouTube

This practice must stop, says the Nigerian Army. It is begging religious, traditional and community rulers to dissuade parents from donating their children as sacrifices to be strapped with Improvised Explosive Devices, and blown to pieces.

Brigadier-General Sani Usman, says his appeal follows information made by some arrested suicide bombers.

"It was discovered that most of these hapless minors were "donated" to the terrorist sect by their heartless and misguided parents and guardians, as part of their contribution to the perpetuation of the Boko Haram terrorists' dastardly acts against the Nigerian society and humanity.

"The acts of these parents and guardians are not only barbaric, but condemnable and unacceptable.

"Nigerians have a responsibility and obligation to collectively mould our children and wards and define a better future for them rather than condemning them to death by the criminal Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers through suicide bombings," Usman says.

Source

• Punch
• Vanguard
• Image: MJ Celebrity Magazine

Patrick Edet has hosted a popular live programme called Grace and Inspiration in his home state of Akwa Ibom for several years.

Last Wednesday instead of broadcasting his usual inspirational message he said "On 31 of July, I resigned from my services, my duties and obligations as a Catholic priest.

"I ceased to be a Catholic priest in my thinking, in my spirit, in my soul, [and] in my body.

"Yesterday, the 1st of August, was my first day outside the laws, the regulations, [and] the authority of the Catholic church.

"In my mind, every law that bound me bound me because I submitted myself to the Catholic Church as an institution.

"Having submitted my resignation letter to my authorities in the Catholic Church, in my spirit, soul and body, I am free from every law that guided me. I submit myself to one authority - God."

Edet says after 11 years he felt had to leave because he was feeling boxed in and it was affecting his personal relationship with God.

It wasn't an impulsive decision - Edet says he prayed and fasted for seven months before decided to leave the Church.

He has come into conflict with the Church over the fellowship meetings he has been running in his diocese of Uyo , which are outside the Church's control.

Those who have attended the popular fellowship meetings say things are done the Pentecostal style - like prophesying and "speaking in tongues" - which often brought Edet into conflict with the Catholic doctrine and leadership.

Source

• Premium Times
• NAIJ.com
• Image: Pulse.ng

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Authorities say they do not believe Boko Haram was behind the attack. Read more

They must promise obedience to him and accept the bishop appointed for their diocese or be suspended. Read more

They are often forced to the back of food and essential supply queues by other refugees because they are Christian and in the minority.

They have had to flee from Boko Haram and are in camps in northern Nigeria. Read more

The bishops' conference health committee chair Bishop Anselm Umoren told a press conference the life of every baby is distinct from that of the parents.

Aborting the unborn children of the rescued women would visit the sin of the terrorists, who impregnated the women, on the innocent, he said.

Bishop Umoren acknowledged the trauma involved in sexual assault and rape.

But he said the Catholic Church in Nigeria is prepared to provide some support to help the healing, rehabilitation and resettlement of the victims, leading to their integration back into society.

Continue reading

Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of Maiduguri diocese, in Borno State, recounted the details of his vision to a conference in Spain this month.

The Catholic News Agency reported the bishop saying that vision occurred late last year.

Bishop Dashe was praying the Rosary in his chapel, in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

In the vision, the prelate said, Jesus didn't say anything at first, but extended a sword toward him, and he in turn reached out for it.

"As soon as I received the sword, it turned into a rosary," the bishop said, adding that Jesus then told him three times: "Boko Haram is gone."

"I didn't need any prophet to give me the explanation," he said.

"It was clear that with the Rosary we would be able to expel Boko Haram."

The bishop said he didn't want to tell anyone, but "felt that the Holy Spirit was pushing him to do so".

In 2009, there were around 125,000 Catholics in his diocese.

After a surge in violence from Boko Haram Islamist extremists, today "there are only 50 to 60 thousand left", he said.

Most of those who fled sought safer areas in other parts of Nigeria, he added.

Some of the same families are now returning as armed forces from Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon liberate their homes.

In 2014, Boko Haram became known worldwide when members kidnapped nearly 300 girls from a school in Borno State.

The group has killed 1000 people across Nigeria in the first three months of 2015, according to Human Rights Watch, which reports that more than 6000 have died in Boko Haram-led violence since 2009.

Last month, the group pledged its allegiance to ISIS - also known as the Islamic State.

Nigeria's bishops' conference has consecrated the country to the Virgin Mary twice in recent years.

Sources

• Catholic News Agency
• Image: Aleteia