Spiritan Priest Urges Government, Political Class to Support Interreligious Dialogue in Nigeria

In brief

Fr. Abraham Akpen, the coordinator for interreligious dialogue for the Spiritan North East Province of Nigeria, has called on the Nigerian government and political leaders to support efforts to resolve religion-based conflicts. Speaking during an interfaith dialogue workshop in Nairobi, Akpen noted that while existing platforms for Christians and Muslims to interact are functioning, they require more assistance to be more effective.

Akpen pointed to national television programs where Christian and Muslim leaders discuss peaceful coexistence as examples of current dialogue efforts. He also noted that at the local level, everyday interactions between members of both faiths demonstrate that Christians and Muslims can live and work together despite their differences. He urged the political class to become more involved to help address the country's religious tensions.