By Sahel Reporters, Yola
The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) has convened its 200th General Church Council, a historic gathering presided over by the Archbishop of the LCCN, Most Rev. Musa Panti Filibus, PhD, who is also the immediate past President of the Lutheran World Federation.
The landmark council brought together a broad representation of the church’s leadership, including diocesan bishops, cathedral deans, district pastors, members of the Board of Trustees, and heads of departments, among other key officials.
Discussions at the council centered on strengthening the church’s mission, promoting social justice, and addressing the growing national challenges affecting Nigerian communities.
In his welcome address, Archbishop Filibus delivered a strong and emotional condemnation of the worsening insecurity across Nigeria, lamenting the repeated tragedies that continue to disrupt communities and places of worship.
He condemned the recent abduction of worshippers in Niger State, the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi, and the surge of attacks and killings in communities across the country.
The Archbishop described these incidents as “a painful reminder of the vulnerability of citizens and the urgent need for government to uphold its constitutional duty of protecting life and property.”
The LCCN leader criticized what he termed the “disturbing inactiveness and slow response” of the Federal Government toward addressing recurring violence, especially in communities that have endured multiple attacks. He warned that continuous silence and inadequate action from authorities risk normalizing criminality across the nation.
He said, Nigeria cannot continue on this path where innocent lives are taken daily without decisive intervention. Government must rise to the occasion,” he emphasized.
Archbishop Filibus also cautioned the Federal Government to take seriously the recent designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) by the United States government, calling it a critical signal that the international community is monitoring Nigeria’s human rights and religious-freedom climate.
He urged the government to view this classification not as a diplomatic slight but as an opportunity to demonstrate genuine commitment to justice, human rights, and the protection of all citizens regardless of tribe or religion.
This year’s Council came with a serious emotional challenge to the Church having lost its Archbishop emiretus Most Rev Nemuel Abubakar Babba at the breaking of the very day of the commencement of the General Church Council which observed minutes of silence in honour of the departed former Church leader
The 200th General Church Council reaffirmed the LCCN’s commitment to among other things: advocate for peace and justice at all levels of society, strengthen internal governance and missionary outreach, support victims of violence and displacement, partner with other Christian bodies, civil society groups, and government toward promoting national stability, and delegates expressed solidarity with all families affected by insecurity and prayed for lasting peace in Nigeria.
Sahel Reporters News
