Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has advised church leaders not to be distracted by physical projects as against evangelism and soul winning.
He also called for reduction of fees being charged in schools owned by churches to ensure their affordability for the vulnerable and downtrodden in the state.
Speaking on Saturday in Awka during the 10th edition of Anglican Prayer Rally of Anambra State (APRAS), Soludo regretted increasing idolatry amidst proliferation of churches across the state.
He said, “We must avoid the complacency of those who feel we’ve arrived; making the church to remain on maintenance level.
“If we’re not careful, I see a dangerous trend when the church will get distracted in various directions of system maintenance, projects upon projects.
“We believe strongly that Anambra is a Christian state. But more than 2000 years of Christianity, those who profess to be Christians are barely 32-33% of humanity; only about 2.6/7 billions out of over 8billion people on earth.
“Out of that same number that profess Christianity, how many of them are really practicing Christianity? Those in the bush with all manner of fetish and idol practices are bearing Christian names.
“The work of evangelism, in my view is only beginning. There are lots of work to do, and that must be done in the spirit of ecumenism.”
While stressing that essence of governance remained touching lives of the poor and vulnerable, the governor reassured his commitment to the citizens’ welfare with limited available resources.
“We must do the work of God here on earth because God won’t come down from heaven to do it. Government must live to its responsibility, the church and larger society also have theirs.
“The twin factors driving us is compassion and transformation. The day leaders loose the link of compassion for the weakest link in the chain, then the whole essence of governance is lost.
“The road constructions, youths empowerment, free education, antenatal, employment of teachers and medical personnel, distribution of palm and coconut seedlings, they are all for the downtrodden.
“That poor woman selling banner should not only breath, let’s create the enabling environment for them to work. There must be balance between physical projects the parishioners are taxed on and what they enjoy,” he added.
Also speaking, Archbishop, Province of Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim called on both federal and state governments to make necessary sacrifices for betterment of the citizenry.
“We acknowledge the plights of our members, we’re not far from you. We want to appeal to our leaders to come closer to the common man. The greatest thing government can do for us is to better lives of families,” he said.
Earlier in his sermon, Bishop of Amichi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor said the prayer rally offered the congregation opportunity to encounter God of miracle who desired fruitfulness and multiplication for his children.
Speaking on the theme, “You shall eat the labour of your hands,” from Psalm 128:2, Ikeakor emphasized the place of faith and knowledge of God as prerequisite for his blessings.
“Your blessings are dependent on your relationship with God. Every promise of God is anchored on his laws and principles. You can’t break God’s laws and expect his blessings.
“If we must reap the fruits of our hands, we must demonstrate undaunted faith and knowledge of God like Hannah did.
We must also believe on our priests as God’s ordained regardless of their personalities.
“Faithlessness in our alter, liturgy and clergy is a serious challenge in our time. When you look down on your priest, the source of your miracle is tampered with. But when you honour them, your matter will be resolved,” he added.
