Nigeria’s Cardinal Onaiyekan Criticizes Prayers for Change Without Taking Action

Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, told Christians in Nigeria to combine prayer with practical efforts to address corruption, economic hardship, and insecurity.

In an interview with ACI Africa on October 25, Onaiyekan said that asking God to transform the nation while refusing to act could be seen as tempting God. He stated that prayer should not serve as an excuse to avoid personal responsibility or to bypass the duties individuals have to promote peace and justice.

The Cardinal noted that church gatherings, prayer meetings, and vigils cannot replace the individual responsibility required to solve the country's challenges. He urged those praying for peace to also work toward fostering it through sincere action.