News Investigators/ Most Rev. David Ajang, Catholic Bishop of Lafia Diocese, has called for structured teachings on parenting as a way of reducing moral decadence in Nigeria.
Ajang made the call on Sunday during the dedication of the new Saint Matthew Catholic Church, Kuchikau, Nasarawa, which was elevated from a mission to a parish.
He said Nigeria needs special programmes to teach people the responsibilities of parenting, stressing that the current level of moral decay in society is alarming.
“I think I have been an advocate that people should be taught parenting. Yes, I think there should be a special programme for that.
“When people who are ready to be parents are taught how to be parents, this will reduce immorality in our society.
“Because we just assume that once somebody can give birth to children, he can be a parent. I think it is very presumptuous, especially as we see today. It will help a bit when people are taught how to be parents.
“If you look at the reading of today, it talks about strife. Today we have renamed discipline as suffering.
“And I think that is where we got it wrong. Every child needs a basic level of discipline to keep him on track.
“But today if you discipline a child, it means you are wicked. So parents, I think, should be taught how to be parents,” he said.
The bishop also urged the Federal Government to address the root causes of insecurity, pointing out that unemployment is one of the key drivers of the crisis.
On the state of the church, Ajang lamented that modern-day Christianity had become “so obsessed with prosperity” rather than righteousness, which he said was the core message of Jesus Christ.
“We have people who are very knowledgeable about the Bible, and people who are very religious by way of observing religious practices but are yet to be converted. Because, you know, going to church does not make one a Christian.
“Even being baptized technically qualifies you as a member of a church. But it is only when you are convinced, when you try to fashion your life after that of Christ, that you could be said to be a Christian.
“And I think that is where there is a disconnection today.
“You know, very few people are trying to live out the Christian tenets. But most people are okay as long as they read the Bible and declare themselves as being saved.
“So Christianity is about practice, those who build the wheel. I think we need to call people back to practical Christianity,” he stressed.
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Paul Peter Onah (Via Christi), Parish Priest of St. Matthew, reflected on his 18-month service to the church, calling it a journey of sacrifices.
“I am grateful to the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, in whose honour we have done so many things here. In fact, the blue colours around are actually a dedication to Our Lady whose prayers we offer monthly and will continue to assist us.
“We have a joyful community, serving God every day. And we are grateful to God. God takes the glory, we have nothing that we have contributed. God did it all. Thank you Jesus,” he said.
Onah also appealed for the restoration of electricity in Kuchikau community, lamenting that residents had been in darkness since March.
Similarly, Rev. Fr. Stanley Aroh, the pioneer Parish Priest, urged parishioners to cooperate with their priests to enable the church to grow.
“If you do not cooperate with the priest, the parish will struggle to grow. But if you cooperate with your priest, then the parish will move in leaps and bounds.
“So that is my message to the parishioners, cooperate with your priest, pray and trust that God is able to do more than we can think or even imagine,” he said.
NAN
