Baptist Seminary warns US against viewing Nigeria as religious violator

The Kaduna Baptist Theological Seminary has warned the United States government against designating Nigeria as a country that violates religious freedom, warning that such a move could worsen insecurity and deepen religious tension across the nation.

In a statement signed by the president, the seminary’s board of governors, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and the interim president, Rev. Dr Mannaseh Panpe, “appeal to the United States and other international bodies not to include Nigeria in that list”.

In the statement released at the end of the 65th Ministerial Meeting, it is stated that “this designation will not solve the problem but could further intensify the violence”.

The Seminar argued that the action proposed by the US Senate could limit Nigeria’s access to military support and vital security equipment, which would in turn embolden terrorists and bandits.

“Labeling Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom could weaken our ability to combat insecurity,” he added.

Held under the theme “The Authority of the Scriptures and the Mission of the Church in Troubled Times”, the conference brought together pastors and church leaders from all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

While acknowledging that Christians in Nigeria face persecution through killings and discrimination, the statement argues that the country’s challenges require collaboration, not punishment.

“Nigeria needs real collaboration and moral support to overcome its religious and security challenges,” he said.

The Seminar urged the United States and other international partners to promote dialogue and peacebuilding rather than punitive measures that could fuel division. “Constructive engagement will help strengthen our democracy and unity, not sanctions or blacklists,” the statement underlines.

He also reaffirmed the Church’s duty to speak truth to power, underlining that silence in the face of corruption and injustice erodes moral authority.

“Pastors must lead with honesty, courage and compassion. The Church must remain the conscience of the nation,” the delegates decided.

The statement disapproves of elaborate and financially burdensome weddings and burials, describing them as “ungodly practices that burden families and contradict Christian values ​​of modesty and humility.”

He expressed concern over the low Christian participation in the electoral process and urged pastors to mobilize members to register and obtain their Permanent Electoral Cards (PVCs) before the 2027 general elections. “Political participation is a moral duty; Christians must contribute to forming a just and righteous nation,” it read.

Delegates commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for efforts to promote unity and security coordination, but urged both the federal and state governments to support reforms and support victims of violence.

The statement also laments the growing economic difficulties, inviting the government to “govern with the fear of God and put human well-being before political interests”.

He reaffirmed the absolute authority of the Holy Scriptures as the final guide for faith and conduct, emphasizing that “obedience to the Word of God remains the only path to national renewal, moral reform and lasting peace.”