Christian and Muslim youths in Abuja have called for tolerance among the various religious groups in Nigeria.
Youths from the two dominant religions in the country, Christianity and Islam have called for tolerance among the various religious groups in Nigeria.
The resolution was reached by participants at the end of a joint session of Christian/Muslim Intellectual Forum (CMIF) organised by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJECT) in Abuja on Wednesday, February 8, 2017.
In a Communiqué issued at the end of the conference, the participants agreed to hold an interfaith praise concert to celebrate the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari over some of the "hydra-headed monsters" such as terrorism and corruption which confronted the nation before his ascension to power.
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The communiqué which was jointly signed by Rev Steven Onwun, Alhaji Garba Shehu and Dan Enyi reads in part:
"The forum also reviewed and described as unhealthy the sustained frosty relationship between followers of different faiths and the need for internal soul-searching by adherents of the various faiths to evolve positive measures that would stimulate cordial and friendly inter-faith interface for peace, unity and harmonious co-existence in Nigeria.
"The young intellectuals of both faiths accepted and elected upon themselves to become vanguards and crusaders of mutual inter-faith relations in their respective communities and places of worship through enlightenment campaigns and conduct opposed to the exacerbation of religious issues/tensions throughout the country.
"The youths of Christianity and Islam in Nigeria agreed to start action to begin a joint annual national religious feast/carnival where worshippers of both faiths would intermingle to collectively beseech God Almighty in prayers, songs and dances for the peace and development of Nigeria.
"The Muslim and Christian youths reached a consensus that henceforth matters of religion shall not reflect in our social interactions, workplace, homes and anywhere Nigerians converge. And that the practice of religion shall be perceived more as something very personal to the believer or worshipper and shall never be a reason for strained relationships, unnecessary politicisation and incitement to anarchy.
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"The forum also condemned in strong terms the penchant of some clerics for hate speeches; inflammatory or inciting sermons and resolved from now onwards not to tolerate preachments. Instead, preachers who undermine the essence of love, peace and unity, which are the cardinal values of all religions shall be deserted."
Participants, however, bemoaned the frequent abuse of this liberty by some clerics and adherents and sued for restraint.
The seminar drew participants from various faith based organisations, civil society organisations and speakers from various Nigerian Universities who extensively discussed the negative effects of hate speeches and religious intolerance.
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