By Patrick O. Onu
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has appealed to Church leaders to return youths to moral path that is expected of them for a better society.
The governor made the appeal on Sunday at the Anglican Church of Pentecost, New Owerri during the closing session of the First Session of the Ninth Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Egbu.
The theme of the Synod is: ‘David a man after God’s heart’ with the central message to wit, “The Journey, Successes, Challenges and Aftermath” (Acts 12: 22): A challenge to present day Socio/political and Religious Leaders.
In his remarks on the topic: ‘Let our faith remain in God,’ the governor noted: “Outside the family, the Church remains the most important factor in training and reorientation of our youths. The Church should remain the moral compass through which the youths can find their bearing.”
Governor Uzodimma also kicked against the division among Christians who profess one faith, appealing to Church leaders to be united.
“Too much division among the Christian body has weakened our fighting spirit,” he said.
The governor, who assessed the role of Church leaders in the society today, posed a question to them thus: How far have you gone with the journey of your role as religious leaders?
His words: “So I ask, in the face of the challenges we face today in our country and state; the challenge of divisive tendencies, the challenge of hate speeches and actions, what role are you playing as religious leaders?
“Are you dousing the tension by preaching the message of love and tolerance as the Apostles did? Or are you stoking the fire of hate and division by wittingly and or unwittingly preaching the message of division?
“The roles played by some of them in hijacking the EndSARS protests to unleash mayhem in our state just to serve their selfish political ends, should be fresh enough in our memories.
“Yet the question props up again, what did our religious leaders do or say in the face of such an incredible show of shame?”
Governor Uzodimma used the opportunity to inform the Church and the congregation of what he has done in the past 11 months he has been in the saddle, reminding them once again that he has come to serve the people of the state sincerely and with fear and faith in God.
