By Oluwatosin Maliki
The Israel-Hamas conflict has raised concerns in multiple nations, prompting the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to issue a message of unity to Nigerians. CAN emphasizes the importance of not letting international hostilities sow division or ignite religious tensions within the country.
In the same vein, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Enoch Adeboye has declared his support for Israel, adding that all the members of RCCG worldwide are in solidarity with the people of Israel at this critical moment.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday, the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasized the need for all religious groups in Nigeria to harness understanding, compassion, and peaceful coexistence among themselves in Nigeria.
He said, “This conflict holds significant implications for Nigeria’s faith communities. We must resist the temptation to allow this conflict to deepen divisions or inflame religious tensions within our nation.”
Furthermore, the president expressed his deep concerns over the ongoing conflict, which he noted has resulted in the loss of countless lives and the destruction of infrastructure, thereby worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
In addition, the Christian body strongly condemns all acts of violence that threaten the lives of innocent individuals, regardless of nationality or religious background.
Okoh stated, “While recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense, we emphasize the importance of proportionality and the avoidance of harm to innocent civilians in any military response”.
He also sent his heartfelt condolences to everyone who might have suffered the loss of their loved ones in these incidents.
CAN plead with both parties involved in the war to immediately cease fire and engage in dialogue in order to seek diplomatic solutions. Also, it highlighted the sanctity of human life and the principles of justice and peace, as upheld by the Christian faith.
The religious organization further advised the Nigerian government to suspend all air flights conveying Nigerian pilgrims to sacred sites such as Jerusalem and Bethlehem until peace is restored in the area.
Okoh enjoined all relevant stakeholders, the international community, including the United Nations to intensify their efforts in facilitating a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“We pray for the repose of the souls of those who were killed in the violent attack and the resultant war, as well as reconciliation, healing, and enduring peace in the region. May God Almighty comfort their families,” said Okoh.
Similarly, the CAN President encouraged all religious congregations in Nigeria to seek the face of God in prayers for divine intervention over the warring nations, so that peace and unity will return to the region, likewise for the protection and well-being of those affected by the conflict, and for the speedy release of the abducted individuals.
Okoh prayed, “Our faith calls us to be peacemakers and agents of reconciliation, even in the midst of conflict and adversity. May the God of peace guide us as we navigate these challenging times, and may His grace and mercy prevail in the lands of Israel and Palestine”.
The General Overseer of RCCG, who declared his support to Israel, stated this in a video clip posted on his verified X handle on Wednesday, noting that his prayers are with the people of Israel.
He said, “Hello my beloved brothers in Israel, I want you to know that we are praying for you, that all members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God all over the world are standing by you at this critical moment”.
“The almighty God, the only one of Israel, will give you absolute victory and give you permanent peace from now on in the mighty name of Jesus. It is my prayer for all our brethren in Israel that the Almighty will grant you absolute peace from now on in Jesus’ name. #Israel #peace.”