Nigerian Bishops warn of neo-paganism, insecurity and religious freedom

Nigerian bishops issued a message at the conclusion of their Second Plenary Assembly warning of rising neo-paganism, widespread insecurity, and threats to religious freedom. In the document, the bishops described neo-paganism as a growing trend where believers, particularly young people, return to idle worship because of economic hardships, cultural revival, and shallow Christian formation.

The bishops noted that this neo-paganism spreads quickly through books, media, and internet culture. They encouraged pastoral agents to use social media, digital spaces, and online catechesis to teach the Gospel.

The bishops also raised concerns regarding insecurity that affects large areas of Nigeria, specifically noting the invasion of schools and places of worship, as well as the abduction and killing of students and worshippers. They reported that massive community displacements have left millions of people in internal displacement camps, impacting the social, economic, and political lives of citizens. The bishops urged the government to intensify efforts to help displaced persons return to their homes and to ensure that migrants and refugees are treated with dignity and have their basic rights respected.