The Northern Christian Religious Assembly, NOCRELA, has declared that the Christian Association of Nigeria , CAN, remains the umbrella body for Christians, urging Christian organisations to work together rather than create divisions.
NOCRELA National President, Archbishop John Praise Daniel, stated this during the inauguration and investiture of the Niger State chapter of the Assembly in Minna.
Represented by the National Public Secretary, Rev. Bulus Bature Yahaya, Daniel said the emergence of different Christian groups was welcome as long as they complemented CAN’s efforts.
According to him, “NOCRELA is not another organisation that is in rivalry with CAN; rather, it is a movement that complements the workings of CAN as our umbrella body.”
He explained that NOCRELA would stand firm for the Christian faith and work with CAN on issues affecting Christians and society.
The Niger State CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, represented by his deputy, Rev. Joshua Marcus, also called for unity among Christian groups.
“Can we all agree to speak with one voice?” he asked, urging Christians to support their leaders when they take positions on issues affecting the faith.
Yohanna stated that Christians needed individuals and organisations willing to speak for them, urging believers to come out en masse and support such efforts.
He added that Christian leaders were sometimes left to stand alone after taking positions on issues affecting the church.
Earlier, the Chairman of the inauguration committee, Evangelist Charles Amatu, said the establishment of the Niger chapter was long overdue, noting that other northern states had already inaugurated their executives.
The state Chairman of NOCRELA, Rev. Samuel Shaba, charged the newly inaugurated women’s wing, led by Hon. Deborah Salawu, to work closely with the state executive.