CHURCH LEADERS PREACH LOVE, UNITY, RECONCILIATION, END TO KILLINGS AND VIOLENCE AS CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE EASTER

Leaders at all levels in the country are advised to engage in reconciliation of the people to enable them to enjoy the benefit of a peaceful society.

The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma gave the advice in a sermon during the Easter Sunday Service at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Enugu.

Archbishop Chukwuma urged Christians to worship God in spirit and in truth, transform their lives and avoid sinful life styles.

Also, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu in Imo state, the Right Reverend Geofery Okoroafor has called for synergy between the leaders and the led to ensure that Nigeria remains an indivisible entity.

Bishop Okoroafor, who made the call in his Easter message, stressed the need to reinforce the bond of brotherhood and good neighborliness among Nigerians.

The Bishop described as worrisome the unfortunate killings, kidnappings and violence in most parts of the country and urged security agents to be alive to their responsibilities.

He also charged Christians to intensify prayer for peace and security to return to all parts of the country.

Similarly, the Anglican Bishop of Okigwe South, the Right Reverend David Onuoha has reminded Christians that service to humanity is a way of attracting God’s blessing.

In his Easter message, Bishop Onuoha, noted that Christ in his service to mankind died on the Cross for the salvation of man.

According to the bishop, Christians will be remembered not by what they possess or enjoy but by what they give to others.

Bishop Onuoha, who reminded Christians that the cross must go before the crown in the search for true joy in life, maintained that any gain that did not flow from labour or sweat would only bring dishonor, pains and sorrow both to the individual and society.

Still on Easter message, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, the Most Reverend Anthony Obinna has advised Nigerians to desist from the culture of killings and hating one another.

Archbishop Obinna condemned incessant shedding of blood of innocent Nigerians that had seemed to have become part of the nation’s history since the civil war.

According to him, there is need for reconciliation among conflicting groups, particularly in states where the 2019 election was characterized by indiscriminate killing of people.

Archbishop Obinna charged Christians to use the period of Easter to forgive and reconcile with one another irrespective of religion or ethnic background.

He encouraged them to emulate the humble life of Jesus Christ on the Cross for peace, joy and abundant life on earth.

The Archbishop also encouraged political, religious and ethnic leaders, to show love and care as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

In the same light, the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu and Bishop of Enugu Diocese, the Most Reverend Christopher Edeh wants Nigerians to re-kindle the fire of love, which God showered on mankind through the sacrifice on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Archbishop Edeh in his Easter sermon at Wesley Cathedral, Uwani Enugu also called on leaders to emulate the leadership style of Jesus Christ, who was committed to serving rather than being served.

In an interview, two priests, the Very Reverend James Ekpe and the Reverend Kelechukwu Ugwu encouraged Christians not to lose focus on the reason for the Easter celebration.

The service featured intercessory prayers and thanksgiving.

In another Easter service at St. John’s Methodist Church Amechi Awkunanaw Enugu the Very Reverend Innocent Nweke called on Christians to have new information that will change their stories for the better.

The Very Rev. Nweke said this had become necessary as Mary Magdalene in the holy bible was still operating on the old information that Jesus Christ was still in the grave thereby looking for him to be embalmed.

The man of God who spoke on the topic “Resurrection power’’ called on every one to serve God genuinely to attract the power in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Some of the worshippers, Mrs. Glad Fine-country and Mr. Ifeanyi Nnaji, who were visibly happy about the event, claimed the promises of God in their lives.

Similarly, Christians are asked to use the period of Easter, which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death to pray for the peace and unity of the country.

The Minister in-charge of St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church of Nigeria Umuahia, the Most Reverend (Dr.) Uma Onwunta, stated this during a homilyto mark the Easter celebration.

Dr. Onwunta also urged Christians to always show love and peace to one another irrespective of religious differences as Christ is regarded the Prince of Peace.

The Most Reverend Onwunta called on leaders to see their positions as call from God to serve the people and not to be served.

Mean while, the General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria, the Reverend Chidi Okoroafor, has urged Christians to accept the resurrection of Jesus Christ by changing their old ways and living new life in Christ.

The General Superintendent was represented by the Assistant Superintendent, Enugu South District Assemblies of God Nigeria the Reverend Hyacinth Okoye during a special Easter Retreat Church Service held at its headquarters Amechi Enugu.

The Reverend Okoraofor stated that resurrection of Jesus Christ had freed man from the shackles of sin and destruction.

A guest Speaker at the retreat, who is the Superintendent of Umuahia North District, the Reverend James Ndukwe, spoke on the topic “Power of the Gospel unto Salvation,” charged the congregation to accept salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ, which Easter stood for.

The Zonal Coordinator of 2019 Easter Retreat, the Reverend Ubani Kalu, thanked God for a successful outing and wished the members a joyful Easter celebration and many more celebrations in the Lord.

Some members of the congregation said the retreat imparted on their lives immensely.

In the mean time, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has urged Nigerians to use the period of Easter to pray for the security of country.

Senator Ekweremadu made the call in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media.

He called on the Christian faithful and indeed all Nigerians to also pray for divine intervention in the affairs of the nation.

EMMA NWEKE,CHIKA EWURUM, CHINWE MAMA, CHINWE UGWUANYI,NONSO KALU, LAWRENCE NWOKEDI, UJU UMUNNA &FRANCIS UMEH