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Kano mosque attack, sin against God – Pope

Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis has condemned the deadly attacks that occurred at the Emir of Kano’s Central mosque in Kano, which claimed about 200 lives, describing it as an “extremely serious sin against God.” Pope Francis made the comments yesterday, the final day of his trip to Turkey. Apart from those killed, about 135 people were wounded when two suicide bombers blew themselves up and gunmen opened fire during weekly prayers on Friday at the Grand Mosque in Kano. Pope Francis on Sunday joined forces with Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Batholomew I to make a rare joint pledge of support for the embattled Christians of the Middle East. On the final day of his first visit to Turkey, Francis also urged an end to the millennium-old schism between the Orthodox and Catholic churches and said this was all the more urgent due to the violence against Christians by Islamic State (IS) extremists. Pope Francis on Sunday joined forces with Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Batholomew I to make a rare joint pledge of support for the embattled Christians of the Middle East. On the final day of his first visit to Turkey, Francis also urged an end to the millennium-old schism between the Orthodox and Catholic churches and said this was all the more urgent due to the violence against Christians by Islamic State (IS) extremists. AFP PHOTO In a meeting with Turkish political and religious officials, at the start of his second trip to the Middle East this year, the Pope further urged Muslim leaders to condemn the “barbaric violence” being committed in Islam’s name against religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. The Pope’s comment is coming two days after the attack in Kano, which was also condemned by President Goodluck Jonathan, who has ordered full-scale investigation into the attack, emphasising his administration’s commitment to ending the incessant attacks which the Red Cross says had displaced more than 400,000 persons. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Boko Haram sect is the prime suspect, as the group had carried out similar attacks in the past. In like manner, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who condemned the attacks urged Christians and Muslims to join forces to defeat the terrorists. Health workers suspend indefinite strike To reduce the number of deaths arising from the attacks, the leadership of the Joint Health Workers Union has directed its members to return to duty, urgently. The Secretary of the health workers’ union, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir told journalists that its indefinite strike “is hereby suspended following the Friday attack on Kano central mosque where hundreds of worshippers were now rushed to the hospital.” Members of the union at Aminu Kano teaching hospital and National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala had joined their counterpart across the country on indefinite strike over age-long demands from the Federal Government. Meantime, thousands of residents, yesterday, trooped to hospitals to donate blood in response to the clarion call to assist victims of the blasts. Blood donors troop to hospitals in Kano At Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, voluntary donors patiently waited to donate blood. Chief Medical director of Aminu Kano Teaching hospital, Prof. Zakari Muhammed, confirmed that the hospital recorded large turn out of voluntary donors who were eager to assist the victims. “The large turn out of people here this morning is quite impressive and we are very happy to have them and on our part we have deployed our staff to ensure the exercise went smoothly,” Professor Zakari said. We won’t be deterred —JNI Umbrella body of Islamic groups in Nigeria, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, has said that it will not be deterred nor cowed by the way Muslims were being killed in Nigeria, particularly in the North. In a statement by its Secretary General, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, JNI said: “We are indeed shocked and pained beyond words over the news of the bomb blasts in Kano Central Mosque, which claimed the lives of over 100 innocent Muslims. “But must blood be spilled to justify the extension of state of emergency? Why is it that anytime, the ineffective state of emergency is about to elapse and or an extension is being sought, attacks are carried out with sophistication? Are we really aware of the repercussions of spilling the blood of innocent souls? What is the essence of the government’s war on terror and its attendant huge budget? Where are the intelligence and security agencies? Can we afford to continue relying on them for our safety and security? Why? We ask ad infinitum with no satisfactory answers. Without mincing words, Nigeria is being misgoverned to the brink! “JNI condemns in the strongest term, these repeated acts of terror being unleashed on Muslims and calls on Muslims to remain calm and keep vigil over happenings around them; take all defensive measures within the purview of the laws to protect themselves since government has clearly failed.” Christians, Muslims must join hands to defeat terrorists – Tinubu National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, condemned the Kano terrorist attack, urging Christians and Muslims to join forces to check the terrorists. Commiserating with the people of Kano and their Emir, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Tinubu, in a statement by his media office said: “During the last few days, Nigeria has suffered intense attacks and grave loss of lives due to the evil work of terrorist group, Boko Haram. Attacks against numerous locations in the North-East demonstrate how heinous and debased Boko Haram and those who sponsor it have become. So depraved, they have become heartless and filled with enmity against all that is good and proper. This was not the act of human beings. These attacks could only have come from the hands of those who do not know God or serve God. This is the act of godless people. “Those of us who love peace, who love unity and who love Nigerian can never allow this vile group to achieve its objective – to turn us into a bloodied and divided nation. Nigeria can and will defeat this terrorist machine and those behind it. We have no other home. We have no other choice.” CAN condemns Kano blasts Umbrella body of Christians in the country, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN also condemned Friday’s attacks in Kano, saying that “the entire Christian community in Nigeria received the news of the latest in the series of bomb explosions, this time around at the mosque near the emir’s palace in Kano, with shock and disbelief. This is most unfortunate given the number of people that lost their lives in their bid to offer prayers to their Almighty in the usual Friday worship at the mosque.” On behalf of the entire Christian community under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), its President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor commiserated with the families of the victims especially those who lost their lives in the attack. CAN said a recent interfaith meeting that had representations from the hierarchy of both faith in attendance emphasised the need for dialogue, mutual relations, cooperation and unity in the renewed fight against insurgency in the country. Attacks ‘re barbaric–S/East govs On their part, the South East Governors’ Forum (SEGF) while commiserating with the families of the victims, described last Friday’s Kano Mosque attacks as “senseless attack on innocent worshippers.” The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji who conveyed the condolences of the forum also commiserated with the people and government of Kano State over the unfortunate incident. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, the governor described as “barbaric and incomprehensible” the activities of those behind the bombing “whose mission and agenda have no trace of sanity”. The South East governors also described as “the height of profanity and disdain for God”, the killing of worshippers at the place of worship. Anyone that has the temerity to kill a worshipper before his God for whatever reason or cause has no regard for God and can never claim to be fighting for Him as Boko Haram wants us to believe”. They also appealed to the international community not to sit idle and watch Nigeria tackle her security challenges alone. B/Haram has rendered one million Nigerian homeless –Red Cross Meanwhile, the Nigerian Red Cross Society said more than one million Nigerians have fled their homes and over 8,600 civilians have been killed since 2013 following Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria. Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross, Mr. Bello Hamman made this revelation in a press release made available to Vanguard at the weekend. He revealed that over 70 towns and villages in the mostly affected Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Kano, and Kaduna states have been deserted because of Boko Haram attacks. Those mainly affected are women and children seeking refuge in some states in Nigeria and neighbouring countries of Cameroon and Niger republics. As part of it social and humanitarian concern and responsibility to the Internally Displace Persons IDPs, the Nigerian Red Cross has launched CHF 2,777,899 appeal fund to reach 150,000 IDPs in the country. The organization calls on individuals and corporate bodies to support the Red Cross to enable it assist IDPs in areas of improved health care, provision of clean water, sanitation facilities, emergency shelter, non-food items and hygiene among other things. Culled from vanguard News

Hollande calls for unity against Boko Haram ‘barbarism’

French President Francois Hollande called Saturday for a united front against the “barbarism” of Boko Haram Islamists following the Nigerian group’s latest attack that claimed more than 120 lives. “In Nigeria, an attack that killed more than 120 people coming out of a mosque — that’s what a sect like Boko Haram is capable of, that’s why we still need to fight together, always fight against terrorism,” Hollande said. “We must unite against barbarism, against the risks posed by fundamentalism, notably in the Sahel, in Africa,” he said at an annual gathering of French-speaking countries hosted this year by Senegal. The president of neighbouring Cameroon, Paul Biya, also addressed the meeting, saying: “With this sort of adversary there cannot be any compromise. We are facing an organisation of global proportions.” Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria pledged to send a combined total of 2,800 troops along their shared borders on November 1, but none have yet been deployed. Culled from Vanguard News

Boko Haram working for Satan, not God -Tinubu

A national leader of the All Progressives Congress and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, says the attack on a mosque in Kano last Friday, which left over 100 worshippers dead, has shown that Boko Haram is not doing God’s work. Tinubu said rather, the sect was doing the bidding of Satan. The former governor said this in a statement on Sunday. He said, “Attacks against numerous locations in the northeast demonstrate how heinous and debased Boko Haram and those who sponsor it have become. So depraved, they have become heartless and filled with enmity against all that is good and proper. “This was not the act of human beings. These attacks could only have come from the hands of those who do not know God or serve God. This is the act of godless people.The hand of evil, deploying those who have given their selves over to wickedness, committed this terrible thing. “No reason can be found for what was done except that BH has once again shown its lust for innocent blood and its disdain for life peacefully lived. Boko Haram killed people praying to God because the god of Boko Haram is Satan himself.” The former governor said he was confident that Nigeria would overcome terrorism as evil could never overcome good. He, however, said this was the time for all Nigerians, regardless of religion, to unite as this was the only way they could defeat the terrorists. “Boko Haram seeks to scare and intimidate Christians and Muslims alike through wanton destruction. They may attack us but never shall this evil force subdue us. Christians and Muslims must stand arm-in-arm to face this terrorist onslaught,” he said. Culled from punch News

Sultan asks Muslims to unite against Boko Haram

 

The Sultan of Sokoto and leader of Muslims in Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, has challenged Islamic sects in the country to unite and fight Boko Haram insurgency. The Sultan, while condemning the suicide bomb blasts at the Kano Central Mosque on Friday, which left about 120 worshippers dead and many others injured, stated that “those behind all the attacks are not Muslims.” He spoke on Saturday in Abuja during a post-2014 Hajj conference organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria held at the National Mosque. Abubakar said, “I do not believe those perpetrating these are Muslims, because if they are Muslims, they are not professing what Islam teaches. “In the world over, it is the duty and responsibility of government to provide security for the citizenry. This is the time for all the various sects in Islam in this country to rally round one another and end insurgency in this country.” The monarch said it was time for all stakeholders, particularly the Federal Government, to rise up to the responsibility of ending insurgency in the country. He also enjoined stakeholders to join hands and end the violence being perpetrated by Boko Haram in the country. The Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, while condemning the attack, reiterated the need for the Federal Government to show more commitment towards ending the carnage in the North-East. Aliyu further challenged the Federal Government to move from mere speech making on the issue of ending Boko Haram to taking decisive actions that would portray the government as serious in its anti-terrorism crusade. The JNI scribe said, “I think it is very important that this matter be looked at with all purposes and intents, and with a very serious focus on efforts from the government which has the constitutional mandate to look after the security and welfare of the people. “We have called with the loudest of our voice on the government but up till this moment, we hear only mere speeches not matched with actions and efforts aimed at curtailing this scourge and epidemic threatening the lives of the Muslims. “Where have you ever heard that even in a worship environment, a mosque for people to worship is bombed and over hundred people killed? Up to this moment, no arrest has been made; nothing from the government unto whom we are going to rely. I call on all Muslim leaders, elders, parents, Imams and scholars to come together to speak and brainstorm on how they can provide succour and help in any effort that we are going to get from the government.” Culled from Punch Newspaper

Mosque bombing, attack on all Nigerians- Nigerian Christian Leader

The Christian Association of Nigeria has condemned the Kano mosque attack, describing it as “an attack on all Nigerians.” The association said the condemnation became necessary because “this particular attack is the greatest evil both to a fellow human being and to God Almighty; it is an act that must be denounced by all Christians and Muslims for no god commissions the killing of a fellow being.” The President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, said it was unfortunate that “while some Nigerians were making efforts towards entrenching peace, others were indulging in drawing the road map to further destruction of our country.” He recalled that during a recent interfaith meeting, which had representations of both faiths in attendance, participants stressed the need for dialogue, mutual relations, cooperation and unity in the renewed fight against insurgency in the country. Oritsejafor said, “The entire Christian community in Nigeria received the news of the latest in the series of bomb explosions, this time around at the mosque near the Emir’s palace in Kano, with shock and disbelief. “This is most unfortunate given the number of people that lost their lives in their bid to offer prayers to their Almighty in the usual Friday worship at the mosque. “This attack on the people of Kano is an attack on all Nigerians and must be addressed as such. This is the time for all to rise up and act. May God help us all, as we make this strong effort at curbing terrorism in our land.” Culled from Punch Newspaper

Kano bombing: Nigeria being misgoverned, says Nigerian Muslim Leader

 

  The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, said on Sunday that the multiple explosions in the Kano Central Mosque was an indication that the country was being misgoverned. Addressing journalists in Kaduna on Sunday, the Secretary-General of the JNI, Dr. Khalid Abubakar-Aliyu, said the JNI as a body would not be cowed in observing the way and manner Muslims were being killed in the North. While condemning the multiple attacks on the Kano Central Mosque, Abubakar-Aliyu urged Muslims to take defensive measures permitted within the law to protect themselves since the government had clearly failed to do so. The JNI scribe said the Islamic body was shocked and pained by the attack on the Kano mosque and the consequent death of over 120 worshippers. He blamed the government for the bombings in the north, noting that it appeared the government wanted to justify the essence of the extension of the emergency rule in the three North-East states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. The JNI scribe said, “But must blood be spilled to justify the extension of state of emergency? Why is it that any time the ineffective state of emergency is about to elapse and/or an extension is being sought, attacks are carried out with sophistication? “Are we really aware of the repercussions of spilling the blood of innocent souls? What is the essence of the government’s war on terror and its attendant huge budget? Where are the intelligence and security agencies? “Can we afford to continue relying on them for our safety and security? Why? We ask ad infinitum with no satisfactory answers. “Without mincing words, Nigeria is being misgoverned to the brink!” Abubakar-Aliyu said the JNI condemned the multiple bomb blasts and urged the Muslim community to recite special prayer to end the insurgents’ activities in the North. He also wondered why government was yet to prosecute anybody in the coordinated attacks that occurred in Kano last year. “JNI will not be deterred nor cowed in observing the way and manner Muslims are being killed in Nigeria, particularly in the North,” he added. Culled from Punch News

Pope Francis visit: Turkey's Christians face tense times

 

  It tells of a city where empires, cultures and religions collided. A building that bears mosaics of Jesus and the Virgin Mary beside calligraphy reading "Allah" and "the Prophet Mohamed". There is no greater symbol of the clash of civilisations here than Hagia Sophia. For almost 1,000 years it stood as the most important Orthodox cathedral in the world, the religious heart of the largely Christian Byzantine empire whose capital was then called Constantinople. But in 1453 the city fell to the Ottomans, Hagia Sophia became a mosque and Christianity began its slow demise here. As Turkey grew out of the ashes of the Ottoman Empire, that decline accelerated. When Pope Francis arrives here this week, he will visit a country whose population has fallen from 20% Christian 100 years ago to around 0.2% today. 'Huge brain drain' "No country in the region - including Iran - is as homogenous in terms of Islam as Turkey," says writer Cengiz Aktar. "It's a mono-colour country - it's a Muslim country." Photo from exhibition by Cengiz Aktar Writer Cengiz Aktar has created an exhibition on the exodus of Turkey's Greek population After the Turkish Republic was born in 1923, it carried out a "population exchange" with Greece to create more ethnic and religious consistency. More than a million Greeks were forced out of Turkey to Greece while around 300,000 Muslims from Greece were relocated here. The Greeks of Istanbul were initially saved but after a crippling wealth tax, anti-Greek pogroms in 1955 and mass expulsions in 1964, the Greek community was left in tatters. And so was the Orthodox Christianity they practised. Jump media player Media player help Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue. Mark Lowen on the state of Christianity in Turkey "The ethnic cleansing of these non-Muslim minorities was a huge brain drain," says Mr Aktar, who has created a new exhibition on the loss of the Greeks here. "It also meant the disappearance of the bourgeoisie because not only were they wealthy but they were artisans. Istanbul lost its entire Christian and Jewish heritage." Hidden crosses It was not just the exodus of the Greeks that hit Christianity here. Armenians were the other large Christian community. Hundreds of thousands were deported in 1915. They were either killed or died from starvation and disease. The label "genocide" is rejected by the Turkish state. From a population of two million Armenians, around 50,000 remain today. Robert Koptas Robert Koptas says Armenian Christians worry about expressing their religious identity in Turkey Robert Koptas shows me around the office of his Armenian weekly newspaper, Agos. In 2007, the editor, Hrant Dink, was murdered outside by Turkish nationalists. Seven years on, Mr Koptas says the small Armenian community feels intimidated. "Armenians fear expressing their religious identity here," he says. "Most of the believers hide their cross inside their shirt. They can't open it and walk freely on the street because they could prompt a reaction. I don't want to say all the Turkish population is against Christianity but nationalism is so high that people are afraid to express themselves." That is now the worry among the Christian minority here: that Turkish Muslim nationalism has grown under the Islamist-rooted government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prime minister for 11 years before being elected president last August. Dead missionaries Mr Erdogan has made moves to support the Christians, such as passing a law to return confiscated state property to them and allowing Christian religious classes in schools. But he constantly stresses his Islamic identity, his support base is conservative Muslim and he whips up the nationalists here, the mood hardening against Christians. Goktay Koraltan Father Iulian Pista says Turkish society is being Islamised Catholics, the smallest Christian minority in Turkey, have felt the impact. A spate of murders of Catholic missionaries and priests a few years ago left the community in shock. At the Catholic basilica in Istanbul, there is Mass for the few. "To be a Turk now means you have to be Muslim," says Father Iulian Pista, who serves here. "In the past, being a pious Muslim was looked down upon. Now Friday prayers are encouraged. Society here is becoming Islamised. Recently, I've seen youngsters defecate and urinate in my church. They shout 'Allahu akbar' [English: God is great]. I also believe God is great but the way they say it is threatening." Islam was sidelined from the constitutionally secular Turkish republic founded in 1923. But as a nation state was formed here, the religion became part of Turkish national identity, something that has sharply accelerated under Mr Erdogan's leadership. Old fears Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, at a church service Bartholomew I (with white beard), holds the post of ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople New mosques are flourishing, while the world-famous Halki Orthodox theological school near Istanbul has remained closed since 1971 under Turkish nationalist pressure. One of the remaining Greeks of Turkey, Fotis Benlisoy, says the community feels squeezed: "The threatening feeling for non-Muslim minorities here is coming again. "There are many reasons: language and policies of the government, the president and prime minister using more conservative references to Sunni identity, pejorative words for non-Muslim communities coming from members of the cabinet, so much circulating about Turkey's relations with Isis [the Islamic State militant group based in Syria and Iraq] - all of this is making us think we might need an escape strategy." At the magnificent Panaghia Greek Orthodox Church in Istanbul, the morning liturgy is led by Bartholomew I, "ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople", a position still based here. It is a reminder of this country's heritage - and of a Christian faithful that is small but defiant. As modern Turkey builds its identity, the question still remains: can it embrace true religious freedom - or will nationalism stand in the way? Culled from BBC News

Pope Francis in Turkey urges faiths to combat fanaticism

Pope Francis urges religious freedom and more help for refugees Continue reading the main story Pope Francis has called for an interfaith dialogue to counter fanaticism and fundamentalism, at the start of a key visit to Turkey. In a speech in Ankara, he also called for a renewed Mid-East peace push, saying the region had "for too long been a theatre of fratricidal wars". He also urged more help for refugees from Syria and Iraq. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the visit was a "significant" step to enhance regional peace. The Pope's three-day trip - only the fourth visit by a pope to Muslim-majority Turkey - comes as Turkey hosts 1.6m refugees on its southern border, after Islamic State seized swathes of neighbouring Syria and Iraq. line Mark Lowen, BBC News, Ankara Pope Francis may have had a horse-drawn parade and cannon salute as he entered the lavish presidential compound but there were none of the thousands of people lining the streets as he often receives. The Pope is being welcomed by Turks as the leader of a faith that is not their own: this is a country which is now 99% Muslim, its long Christian heritage as once the centre of the largely-Christian Byzantine Empire less and less visible. And yet it is Turkey's historical position as a meeting point of religions and cultures which makes this country a perfect place from which to spread his message of inter-faith dialogue. Turkey bridges a principally Christian Europe and a mainly Muslim Middle East. While the Pope has denounced the persecution of Christians, Turkey's president says the West must do more to combat Islamophobia. Pope Francis is urging respect and cooperation by each side for the other. Anxious times for Turkey's Christians line After arriving in Ankara on Friday, Pope Francis held talks with President Erdogan - whose AK Party is rooted in political Islam - and Mehmet Gormez, Turkey's top cleric. In a speech at a press conference, the Pope called for "a dialogue which can deepen the understanding and appreciation" between faiths. He said: "Fanaticism and fundamentalism, as well as irrational fears which foster misunderstanding and discrimination, need to be countered by the solidarity of all believers." Pope Francis stands next to Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace in Ankara 28 November 2014 This is only the fourth visit by a pope to Muslim-majority Turkey Map The Pope called on nations of the Middle East to "reverse the trend" and advance peace in the region. He said: "Interreligious and intercultural dialogue can make an important contribution to attaining this lofty and urgent goal, so that there will be an end to all forms of fundamentalism and terrorism which gravely demean the dignity of every man and woman and exploit religion." Turning to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq, he said the international community had a moral duty to assist Turkey in taking care of refugees. "In addition to providing much needed assistance and humanitarian aid, we cannot remain indifferent to the causes of these tragedies," he said. He condemned the "violation of the most basic humanitarian laws" by extremists and the persecution of Christian and other minorities. President Erdogan said the Pope's visit was "a very significant and very crucial step which will enhance the hopes of peace in our region". He said: "Racism and Islamophobia in the West, and violence and terrorism in Islamic lands make it important that we come together and co-operate." Mr Erdogan also condemned what he termed the international "silence" over the "state terror" being instigated by the Syrian government. Blue Mosque Pope Francis is the first foreign dignitary to visit the lavish 1,000-room presidential palace in Ankara. Jump media player Media player help Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue. Mark Lowen reports on the state of Christianity in Turkey According to Hurriyet newspaper, the Pope - who is renowned for his humble lifestyle - requested a "modest car" for his trip. He was picked up at the airport by a black Volkswagen saloon. On Saturday, the Pope will travel to Istanbul, where he is scheduled to visit Sultan Ahmed mosque, the 17th Century place of worship popularly known as the Blue Mosque. He is also due to sign a joint declaration with Patriarch Bartholomew I, the leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians, on trying to bridge the divides between Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity. Although most of Turkey's 80 million citizens are Muslims, there are about 120,000 Christians in the country - once the centre of the Orthodox Christian world. line Turkish media on Pope's visit Turkish media seems most concerned with the security arrangements for the Pope's visit. Postauses the headline "Martial law" to describe heavy security in Ankara and Istanbul. Other papers take a more neutral tone and talk about his agenda, with some anticipation about the Pope being the first visitor to the new "presidential palace". Hurriyet speculates that President Erdogan's message to the Pope might be: "Let's stop Islamophobia". The independent news portal says the treatment of Christian minorities in the Middle East is likely to top the Pope's agenda. One of the secular papers, Daily Cumhuriyet, quotes a senior Turkish religious official who takes issue with the Vatican's idea of inter-religious dialogue, saying: "The discourse of the Church should change". Culled from BBC NEws

Turkey's declining Christian population

A century ago Christians made up 20% of Turkey's population, the figure is now just 0.2%. Pope Francis is visiting the country and will meet with political and religious leaders, including the head of the Orthodox Church. Istanbul, under its old name of Constantinople, was once a city of significance for the Christian faith, but Turkey's population now has a very large Muslim majority. Culled from BBC News

Pope Francis Warns Muslim leaders to condemn terrorism

 

Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I signed a pledge to support Christians in the Middle East Continue reading the main story Related Stories Pope Francis has urged Muslim leaders around the world to condemn terrorism carried out in the name of Islam. Speaking on board a flight back to Rome, the Pope said that he understood the harm caused by the stereotype that linked Islam with terrorism. He said a "global condemnation" of the violence would help the majority of Muslims dispel this stereotype. Pope Francis was returning from a three-day visit to Turkey, where he discussed divisions between faiths. The pontiff denounced people who say that "all Muslims are terrorists". "As we cannot say that all Christians are fundamentalists," he said. In Istanbul, Pope Francis called for an end to the persecution of Christians in the Middle East. In a joint declaration, the Pope and Patriarch Bartholomew I said they could not resign themselves to a "Middle East without Christians". Patriarch Bartholomew is the spiritual leader of the world's 250 million Orthodox Christians, whose Church broke with Rome in 1054 in a schism that divided the Christian world. Constantinople, as the modern Turkish city of Istanbul was once known, was the centre of Orthodox Christianity until the Ottoman conquest in 1453. Only around 120,000 Christians remain in Turkey, where the vast majority of the 80 million citizens are Muslims. Pope Francis also called for dialogue with Muslims to counter fanaticism and fundamentalism when he visited the Turkish capital, Ankara. 'Indifference of many' Pope Francis flanked by Vatican spokesman father Federico Lombardi talks to journalists during a press conference aboard the flight towards Rome Pope Francis was returning to Rome after his three-day visit to Turkey when he made his latest comments Christians have been targeted by Muslim hardliners in Iraq and Syria in recent years, with a violent campaign of persecution by Islamic State militants this summer when they captured the Iraqi city of Mosul. In their joint declaration, the two Church leaders said: "We express our common concern for the current situation in Iraq, Syria and the whole Middle East. "Many of our brothers and sisters are being persecuted and have been forced violently from their homes. It even seems that the value of human life has been lost, that the human person no longer matters and may be sacrificed to other interests. And, tragically, all this is met by the indifference of many." The pontiff and the patriarch also called for peace in Ukraine. The violent conflict in Ukraine this year has accentuated differences between its large Orthodox and Catholic communities. The Pope and the patriarch said: "We pray for peace in Ukraine, a country of ancient Christian tradition, while we call upon all parties involved to pursue the path of dialogue and of respect for international law in order to bring an end to the conflict and allow all Ukrainians to live in harmony." As his visit drew to a close, Pope Francis met Turkey's chief rabbi, whose flock has diminished to just 17,000 people. At the Blue Mosque on Saturday, one of the greatest masterpieces of Ottoman architecture, the Pope turned east towards Mecca, clasped his hands and paused for two minutes as the Grand Mufti of Istanbul, Rahmi Yaran, delivered a Muslim prayer. The Pope then visited Hagia Sofia - which for almost 1,000 years was the most important Orthodox cathedral, then for nearly five centuries a mosque under the Ottomans, and is currently a museum. For Istanbul, a city that passed from the Byzantines to the Ottomans, a place where religions, empires and cultures collided, the Pope's message of interfaith dialogue has profound resonance, says the BBC's Mark Lowen in Istanbul. CUlled from BBCnews

Why we attack Kano- Boko Haram

The Boko Haram sect has given reasons for its weekend attacks, which led to the killing of about 162 people in Kano State, saying it was to avenge the persecution of its members. Spokesman of the group, Abul Qaqa, made this known in a telephone interview with newsmen in Maiduguri, yesterday. Claiming responsibility for the attacks and multiple bombings on police stations, State Security Services, SSS, and passport office buildings in Kano metropolis, Qaga said: “Last night’s (Friday) attacks and bombings of Kano city followed our warnings in the second week of December, 2011.” ‘We warned Kano stakeholders’ Besides, Qaqa also referred reporters to an e-mail message in which Imam Muhammad Abubakar Shekau, Spiritual Head of the sect, threatened that: “Unless urgent steps are taken, the group will launch endless and violent attacks on Kano and its environs because of arbitrary arrest and persecution of his members.” Vanguard learnt that in the said e-mail, Shekau said the group had written an open letter to the people of Kano, including the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero; Governor Musa Kwankwaso, Alhaji Aminu Dantata and Khalifa Sheikh Isiaka Rabiu on recent happenings in the ancient city. A paramedic helps a young man, injured during one of the multiple explosions and shooting attacks, as he leaves the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in AFP PHOTO Shekau revealed that but for the intervention of some prominent scholars in Kano, his group would have made the city ungovernable a long time ago. Alleges persecution Qaqa said: “The message here is that everybody knows that a lot of our people were killed in Kano State, especially in Wudil town. We had perfected plans to take revenge but some notable scholars intervened by pleading with us. “They also assured that our members would nevear be persecuted again and we took them by their words. Unfortunately, however, about five months ago, security agencies began trailing and arresting our members who are carrying out their legitimate businesses, alleging that they are all thieves and armed robbers. “Again, we perfected plans to attack the city of Kano but the scholars pleaded that we should not. They advised that we should write a formal letter of complaint to some notable people. We agreed and sent letters to the Emir of Kano, Wamban Kano, Dan Masanin Kano and the governor of Kano State. “We also posted the open letter on the internet, but nothing was done to stop the persecution of our members. “Recently, security agencies launched a fresh onslaught on some of our members in Kano city in which even women and children were not spared. Many houses were raided and a pregnant woman was manhandled. ‘We respected Kano’ “Some of our members were tortured with electric shock. All these things happened in Kano, a city that we hold in high esteem. “We have varied opinions about Kano, including the option of launching endless campaign of violence, but the scholars that have been talking to us are still persuading us to tarry a while. “We are compelled to write this open letter so that the world will know what is happening.” Culled from Vanguard Newspaper

Boko Haram: Muslims should defend themselves — Council of Imams, Ulamas

The Council of Imams and Ulamas has call on the Federal Government and its security agencies to bring to an end the wanton destruction of lives and property going on in the country particularly in Kano, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states and called,on Muslims to defend themselves. The council also frowned at the non-investigation of the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oristejafor, over the controversial $9.3 seized armed deal. In a statement signed by Sheik Usman Baba Tuni and Ustaz Yusuf Arrigasiyyu, Chairman and Secretary respectively and made available to the media over the weekend in Kaduna, the Council call on all Muslims where ever they are to protect themselves within the ambit of the constitution in the event the Federal Government failed in its responsibility of protecting them. “The Council has repeatedly called on the Federal Government and it security agencies to bring to an end the killings of innocent children, women, and the aged in the country particularly in Kano and the North-eastern part of Nigeria where almost everyday people are killed with impunity. “The killings of thousands of Nigerians and the destructions of property worth billions of Naira in Kano, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa, the capture of some Nigerian territory by the insurgency and the inability of the federal government to recaptured the lost areas captured by Boko Haram and the nonchalant attitude towards the release of the Chibok girls has created a strong feeling among Nigerians in the sincerity of this government to bring to an end the scourge of this insurgency looking at the trillions of Naira budgeted for Defence in the last three years. “We therefore call on this administration to with matter of urgency stop these killings henceforth as no any responsible government will watch while his citizens are killed on daily basis like insects,” it stated. The council further noted the refusal of the Federal Government to investigate the aircraft belonging to Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejeafor with $9.3 million seized in a South African airport for illegal purchase of arms. “The refusal by the Federal Government to set up even a Kangaroo panel to investigate the matter and the refusal to make the culprits public talkless of punishing them has shown the level of impunity under which this government operates. “Even when there were mixed reactions from the Christian leaders and some Nigerians, the Federal Government prefer to reward the principal suspect the CAN president with a visit to Jerusalem in the company of Mr. President,” the statement noted. Culled from Christendom Newspaper

Pope condemns Nigeria mosque attacks as ‘sin against God

Pope Francis on Sunday condemned the deadly attacks on a mosque in northern Nigeria as an “extremely serious sin against God”, in comments on the final day of his trip to Turkey. Blood-stained carpets are seen in the central mosque in northern Nigeria's largest city of Kano on November 29, 2014, a day after twin suicide blasts hit the mosque during weekly Friday prayers. At least 120 people were killed and 270 others wounded when two suicide bombers blew themselves up and gunmen opened fire during weekly prayers at the mosque, a week after the emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, of one of Nigeria's top Islamic leaders called on northerners to defend themselves against Boko Haram Islamists that have been carrying out deadly attacks and seizure of territory in the northeast. At least 120 people were killed and 270 others wounded when two suicide bombers blew themselves up and gunmen opened fire during weekly prayers on Friday at the Grand Mosque in Kano.

Pope and patriarch say ‘no Middle East without Christians

 

Pope Francis and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I on Sunday issued a rare joint plea against anti-Christian violence, saying the world cannot stand by and allow “a Middle East without Christians.” Winding up a historic three-day visit to Turkey, Francis also urged Muslim leaders worldwide to “clearly” condemn terrorism carried ou in the name of Islam. He said he had told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that “it would be wonderful if all the Muslim leaders of the world — political, religious and academic, spoke up clearly and condemned” violence which damages Islam. “That would help the majority of Muslims if that came from the mouths of these political, religious and academic leaders. We all have need of a global condemnation,” he told reporters aboard the plane taking him back to Rome. Pope Francis AFP PHOTO Pope Francis AFP PHOTO On the final day of his first visit to Turkey, Francis also urged an end to the millennium-old schism between the Orthodox and Catholic churches and said this was all the more urgent due to the violence against Christians by Islamic State (IS) extremists. The trip of the pope to Istanbul — once the capital of the Christian Byzantine world and formerly known as Constantinople — has been marked by his overtures to Muslims and other Christian confessions. Before boarding the papal plane, he found time to address around 100 refugees displaced by the violence in Iraq and Syria. – ‘Terrible situation of Christians’ – The pope early Sunday attended a divine liturgy led by Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the “first among equals” of an estimated 300 million Orthodox believers. In a joint statement, Bartholomew and the leader of the world’s Roman Catholics said they could not let Christianity be driven out of the region. “We cannot resign ourselves to a Middle East without Christians, who have professed the name of Jesus there for two thousand years,” the church leaders said. They said the “terrible situation” of Christians calls “for an appropriate response on the part of the international community.” The two Church leaders also called on the parties involved in the Ukraine conflict “to pursue the path of dialogue and of respect for international law”. – ‘Lengthy and rugged road’ – Pope Francis in an address at the Orthodox Patriarchate on the banks of the Golden Horn urged an end to the schism between Orthodox and Catholic Churches. “The one thing that the Catholic Church desires, and that I seek as Bishop of Rome… is communion with the Orthodox churches.” “How can we credibly proclaim the message of peace which comes from Christ if there continues to be rivalry and disagreement between us?” he said. Bartholomew for his part said that while the road to full communion would be “perhaps lengthy and sometimes even rugged” it was irreversible. He echoed the pope’s comments that the violence against Christians had made this more pressing. “We no longer have the luxury of isolated action.” The pope and Bartholomew have in the last months worked hard for a rapprochement between the eastern and western Churches which have been split since the schism of 1054. The reconciliation began in 1964 with the famous embrace in Jerusalem between Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, the first such meeting since the 15th century. Bartholomew, who commands considerable respect beyond the Orthodox Church, holds an office that dates back to the early days of the Byzantine Empire, over a millennium before the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The patriarchate in Istanbul remains his headquarters and the patriarch himself must under Turkish law be a citizen of the country. During a prayer service on Saturday, the pope bowed his head and asked Bartholomew to kiss him on his brow, in a remarkable sign of humility towards the patriarch. – Serene visit, thin crowds – In another hugely symbolic moment, the pope during a visit Saturday to Istanbul’s Ottoman Sultan Ahmet mosque — better known abroad as the Blue Mosque — turned towards Mecca and stood in two minutes of reflection next to a top Islamic cleric. The trip has been marked by crowds far thinner than on Francis’s previous visits abroad but also the heaviest security, which extended to positioning snipers on the balconies of mosque minarets. Turkey’s own Christian community is tiny — just 80,000 in a country of some 75 million Muslims — and only a small proportion of these are Catholics. The pope, making only the fourth papal visit to Turkey, has at times looked fatigued during a crammed three-day programme but was often seen breaking into a smile at the sight of an old acquaintance. His trip has been less controversial than the last by a pontiff to mainly Muslim Turkey — the visit by Pope Francis’s predecessor Benedict XVI in 2006 which was overshadowed by remarks he had previously made deemed to be anti-Islamic. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi described the atmosphere this time as more “cordial and serene”.

Pope Francis prays in Istanbul’s Blue Mosque

Pope Francis prayed on Saturday on the second day of his visit to Turkey alongside a senior Islamic cleric in Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. The blue mosque, known officially as the Sultanahmet Mosque, opened in 1616 and was the most famous in Turkey. Its popular name was a reference to the fine blue Iznik tiles in its main prayer room. The Vatican City spokesman described it as a gesture of inter-religious harmony and a joint “moment of silent adoration” of God. Francis took off his shoes as he entered the huge mosque before bowing his head in prayer for several minutes, facing Mecca and standing next to Istanbul’s Grand Mufti Rahmi Yaran. A similar act by his predecessor Pope Benedict in 2006 drew criticism from conservative Catholics and some Muslims. Halil Ibrahim Cil, 24, a hospital worker from Istanbul, said there was need to show respect for each other’s beliefs. He said God willing the pope’s visit would help in this respect. “We want to practice our religion in peace, as we want people to understand Islam, more so we don’t want war, Islam is a religion of peace’’, he said. Hundreds of people, many of them tourists, watched from behind police barriers as the pope then walked to the nearby Aya Sofya museum, once the Christian church Hagia Sophia. A group of school children waving Turkish and Vatican flags chanted “Long live Pope Francis” in Italian as the Muslim call to prayer rang out across the Sultanahmet square, the heart of Istanbul’s historic quarter. Pope would later in the day, celebrate Mass at the Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit and then meet the leader of the Orthodox Church, Bartholomew. Discussions at Bartholomew are expected to focus on healing the schism in the Christian Church in 1054 that divided Rome and Constantinople. Islamic State insurgents have captured swathes of neighbouring Syria and Iraq, persecuting and killing Shi’ite Muslims, Christians and others who do not share their ultra-radical brand of Sunni Islam.

Which God is the Father of Jesus?

The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ does not send people to steal, kill and destroy. Is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ behind the wars, massacres and genocide of the Jews in the Old Testament? Certainly not! God says “love your enemies;” he does not say annihilate them. Jesus’ Father is merciful; and “he does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17). As a matter of fact, “his mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1). Solomon says: “the path of the just is like the shining sun that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). Even so, the bible provides progressive revelations of the character of God. However, in the person of Jesus, we finally have the true full expression. Jesus says: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father… The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” (John 14:9-11). Prince of peace The psalmist says: “Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” (Psalm 144:1). But this is contrary to the Lord revealed in Jesus. Jesus insists citizens of the kingdom of God do not fight. He says: “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews.” (John 18:36). Children of God do not even resist evil people. (Matthew 5:39). God did not intend the Israelites to have an army or to stockpile weapons. Israel’s king was forbidden from amassing horses; required in those days for going into battle. (Deuteronomy 17:16). Moses told the Israelites initially: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14). But soon, they were the ones fighting for the Lord. Nevertheless, the position of God remained constant: “I will destroy your horses from among you and demolish your chariots.”(Micah 5:10). This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6). Accordingly, God’s plan was to give the Promised Land to Israel without a fight. He said: “I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way.” (Exodus 23:27-28). But the Israelites preferred to be war-mongers like other nations. Therefore, they pursued their own military agenda. This meant fighting wars. Judges says: “When they chose new gods, war came to the city gates.” (Judges 5:8). Jewish fables Paul said to Titus: “Pay no attention to Jewish myths.” (Titus 1:14). Indeed, many biblical stories of Jewish conquests are fictitious. Victims of Jewish genocide did not stay in the grave. Moses allegedly exterminated the Midianites: “They fought against Midian, as the LORD commanded Moses, and killed every man.”(Numbers 31:7). But the Midianites later resurrected as rulers of the Israelites: “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites.” (Judges 6:1). The Amalekites were “terminators;” destroyed again and again. When Joshua overcame them, the Lord allegedly said to Moses: “I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” (Exodus 17:13-14). However, every time they were “annihilated,” they would mysteriously later come back to life: “David and his men arrived back at Ziklag. The Amalekites had raided southern Judah and attacked Ziklag.” (1 Samuel 30:1). Furthermore, the ruthless ethnic-cleansing of Canaan turned out to be no more than Jewish fables. Wars said to have been successfully concluded under Joshua only started after his death. (Judges 1:1-2). In most cases, the Israelites could not dislodge the original inhabitants of the land. (Judges 1:19-36). Thieves and robbers The prophets were against Jewish glorification of blood-letting. Habakkuk declares woe on those “who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by crime!” (Habakkuk 2:12). Isaiah maintains: “The indignation of the LORD is against all nations, and his fury against all their armies.” (Isaiah 34:2). It is the blind who lead the blind to war. When the earth is finally full of the knowledge of God; Isaiah predicts: “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4). Mr Ernest Okorie and others of St Dominic Church Young Christian Workers performed the Passion of Jesus as Christians all over the world mark Good Friday the day Jesus Christ was crucified yesterday. Photo by Biodun Ogunleye Mr Ernest Okorie and others of St Dominic Church Young Christian Workers performed the Passion of Jesus as Christians all over the world mark Good Friday the day Jesus Christ was crucified . Photo by Biodun Ogunleye{FILE PHOTO} Moses’ wife was a Midianite. Nevertheless, he said the Lord told him to tell the Israelites: “Treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them.” (Numbers 25:16). However, Jesus contradicts Moses by saying: “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45). This shows Moses did not really know the Father in heaven and his directives did not come from God. Jesus repudiates Moses’ doctrine of retributive justice. He says: “You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38-39). He says furthermore: “Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:32-33). Jesus confounds the whole biblical folklore of Jewish massacres and land-expropriation. He says: “All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.” (John 10:7-8). According to Jesus, God does not send people to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10). On the contrary: he is the resurrection and the giver of life. (John 11:25). When James and John wanted to command fire from heaven like Elijah to consume a Samaritan village that denied them free passage, Jesus rebuked them. He said to them: “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” (Luke 9:55-56). True bread Some Israelites thought they were sons of Abraham, but Jesus told them the devil was actually their father. (John 8:44). Before Jesus came, men essentially second-guessed God and created him in their own image. Therefore, only after Jesus’ faithful witness could we come to the true knowledge of God. Accordingly, Jesus maintains: “No one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” (Luke 10:22). The Father of Jesus is not a Jewish tribal God: “’The LORD, the God of the Hebrews. (Exodus 3:18). He is: “The LORD, the God of all mankind.” (Jeremiah 32:27). Indeed, Jesus says: “Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:11-12). Culled from Vanguard Newspaper

We’re still probing Winners –UK

The British government, through its Charity Commission, has said it is still considering the financial information the Living Faith Church International popularly known as Winners Chapel belonging to the popular pentecostal clergyman, David Oyedepo.

Bishop David Oyedepo

 The CC is responsible for registering eligible organisations in England and Wales which are established for only charitable purposes, taking enforcement action when there is malpractice or misconduct and ensuring charities meet their legal requirements. It also provides information on their activities each year, making appropriate information about each registered charity widely available, providing online services and guidance to help charities run as effectively as possible.

Responding to an email enquiry by SUNDAY PUNCH, the commission’s spokeswoman, Sarah Hitchings, told our correspondent that the consideration of the church’s finances by the British government did not qualify as conducting an investigation on the church.

Hitchings said, “We are not ‘investigating’ the charity. In the terms of our regulatory work, an ‘investigation’ is another word for ‘statutory inquiry’, the highest level of our investigatory work.

“We are not investigating Winners Chapel; we have an operational case open into the charity.”

According to her, following concerns raised from some quarters in the United Kingdom about Winners Chapel London (charity number 1134421), the commission has been reviewing a number of issues including conflicts of interest, concerns about the reputation management of the church and its financial management.

“It has taken some time for the review to scrutinise the information available to determine the extent of any regulatory concerns.

“We have now met with the trustees, and are satisfied that we have no regulatory concerns relating to conflicts of interest and the reputation management of the charity. We are still considering financial information supplied by the charity to reach a conclusion on the issue of financial management,” the spokeswoman stated.

She however added, “At this stage, we cannot comment on the details of the case; however, it is our usual policy to report on the outcomes of our work once we have reached a conclusion. Please note, we are not ‘investigating’ the charity.”

In a related development, the British agency in its inquiry reports made available on its website also accused the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s New Life Assembly (House of Prayer for All Nations), with charity number 1084582, of failing to submit to the commission annual accounts and reports and annual returns required for the financial years ending December 31 , 2011 and December 31 , 2012 until later this year.

The report noted, “The Charity was sent various computer generated reminders from the Commission regarding the submission of their annual accounting documents. In addition, the Commission attempted to contact the Charity by telephone on 10 April 2014. Further to this the Commission wrote to the Charity with a final warning on 10 April 2014 requesting that the missing documents be provided by 3 May 2014.

“During the Inquiry the Charity filed the missing annual accounts and reports and annual returns. The annual accounts and reports and annual return for the financial year ending 31 December 2011 were submitted on 8 August 2014, together with the annual report for the financial year ending 31 December 2012. The accounts for the financial year ending 31 December 2012 were submitted on 26 August 2014.”

Culled from Punch Newspaper

Myles Munroe: Adeboye, Oyedepo, others grieve on social media

Late.Dr Myles Munroe and wife,Ruth

Even though they lived miles away in Nassau, Bahamas, an island country in North America, yet their impact was felt in virtually every continent of the world. From America to Asia, then to Europe and Africa, Myles Munroe and his wife, Ruth, were what most people referred to as one of the most influential Christian couples of this century.

Born in 1954 (aged 60) in Nassau, Bahamas, Myles Munroe grew up poor in a family of eleven children. Raised in the Nassau suburb of Bain Town, he was a life-long resident of the Commonwealth.

Munroe became a Christian during his teenage years, and later attended the Oral Roberts University, USA, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts, Education, and Theology in 1978.

Apart from obtaining a Master’s degree in administration from the University of Tulsa in 1980, Munroe was also the recipient of honourary doctoral degrees from various schools of higher education and served as an adjunct professor of the Graduate School of Theology at the Oral Roberts University.

Following his graduation from the University of Tulsa, he founded the Bahamas Faith Ministries International in the early 1980s.

His wife, Ruth, served as co-pastor with him at the church and were blessed with two children: Myles, Jr. (known as Chairo), and a daughter, Charisa.

But death took both away at the same time on November 9, 2014 when their aircraft struck a crane at a ship yard near the Grand Bahama International Airport.

With seven other passengers, it was the last journey for the Munroes as they were en route to Freeport, Grand Bahamas for a conference which was organised by the church.

Meanwhile, several tributes have been pouring in for the late couple from some of the popular clergymen – both in Nigeria and abroad – of this age through the social media.

Bishop David Oyedepo,

President and Founder, Living Faith Church Worldwide (aka Winners’ Chapel)

Myles and I called ourselves ‘twin brothers’

Myles, my twin brother is gone up to glory

Ruth, his partner in life and death has gone to eternal rest

Faith and I miss you both!

Our moments together on this side of the Jordan were most memorable.

We stayed together on several occasions under the same roof

We lodged in same hotels time and again; we shared the platform together preaching the good news of the Kingdom over the years.

Our friendship of over 24 years was a most enriching and adventurous one,

Our partnership in ministry was also a most profitable and rejuvenating one.

Myles, my twin brother

A bundle of inspiration

A man of spiritual depth and insight

A leader of leaders and teacher of teachers

Ruth, a bundle of joy and divine radiance

Your smiles were ever contagious,

You exhumed gentleness, love and care like a fountain

You were indeed a priceless jewel!

The two of you were swifter than eagles

You literally traversed the globe

As you taught nations the principles of the Kingdom

You were both as strong as the unicorn,

Energetic, untiring, never relenting, purposeful and focused

I could still remember, Myles and I took all the inaugural induction lectures for the pioneer Faculty and Staff of Covenant University in August 2002.

All of Myles’ meetings on our church platform were ever inspiring and impactful.

The Living Faith Church Worldwide really misses you!

Good night Myles, my twin brother!

Good night Ruth, his partner in life and in death

Pastor Sunday Adelaja,

Founder and Senior Pastor, Embassy of God, Kiev, Ukraine.

I, like most dwellers of our planet woke up to the crude and shocking news that Dr. Myles Munroe and his beloved wife Ruth had left this earth in a tragic plane crash. Dr. Myles and his wife have impacted my life, ministry and our whole Russian-speaking world in such a way that it`s difficult to imagine. He was not just a pastor, teacher and minister of the gospel, he was first of all a man; he was a real man, a complete person, a genuine human being. He is a man that genuinely worked hard to transform himself so much that he reflected the image and likeness of God. Myles Munroe made you feel like you were his peer. He made you feel welcome; he did everything to make you feel at home.

Pastor E.A Adeboye,

General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God.

I regret the death of Myles Munroe, an evangelist and deep teacher of The Word. We cannot deny our grief. Without any doubt, Myles Munroe was a great man of God. His ministry impacted several ministries and generations. He will be greatly remembered and sorely missed by the Body of Christ. Nothing happens without God allowing it, though God was not behind this or any other plane crash. God will still ensure everything works together for good. The most important thing is for us to make heaven. God, who is sovereign and knows everything, has allowed it to happen. He knows best and why. He will not allow it if He cannot use it. We have no choice but to surrender to the supreme wisdom of God and trust Him fully at all times and in all situations.

PASTOR Ayo Oritsejafor,

President, Christian Association of Nigeria.

It was sad day. I woke up to the news that the prolific best-selling author and internationally renowned preacher and business coach, Dr. Myles Munroe of Bahamas Faith Ministries International, his wife, Mrs. Ruth Ann Munroe, died in a plane crash in the Bahamas. May you and your wife rest in the perfect bosom of the Lord.

Bishop T.D. Jakes,

Founder, The Potter’s House, USA.

It is with deep shock and sadness that we have learned of the untimely passing away of our friends, Dr. Myles Munroe, his wife, Ruth Ann and seven others travelling with them. Our hearts go out to the Bahamas Faith Ministries International Fellowship family and those around the globe impacted by Dr. Munroe’s love of God’s Word, purpose-centred teaching, and passion for leaders. Our hearts are broken. We weep with all Christendom at this unimaginable loss. There are few biblical clinicians whose view of ministry wasn’t enriched in some way by this tremendous bible scholar. His voice changed the way we viewed the Kingdom! Dr. and Mrs. Myles Munroe and associates, gone but not forgotten!

PASTOR Sam Adeyemi,

Founder, Daystar Christian Centre.

I was sad when I heard of the passing away of outstanding and inspiring mentor, Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife, along with others. It is well!

Kenneth Copeland,

Founder, Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Myles and Ruth Munroe, and their ministry, had been long-time friends of Kenneth Copeland Ministries, and with Gloria and me, for well over 35 years. Dr. Myles Munroe was a strong man of The WORD of God—a strong and gifted leader in the Body of Christ with an anointing to minister to ministers and teach and train leaders to be leaders in Christ Jesus, in the things of God, and in the victory that we have in Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour. His lovely wife, Ruth, was equally as strong in the LORD and a powerful minister of the gospel in her own right. Of course they will be missed. And, of course we miss the strength that God placed in them. Ah, but no, we don’t sorrow and mourn their passing. The Scripture says sorrow not, for we are not a people without hope. We know, beyond a shadow of any doubt, that Myles and Ruth Munroe just stepped into the presence of Jesus, and thanks be unto God He always gives us victory over death. He bought it, He paid for it and it is ours!

Pastor Paul Adefarasin,

Founder, House on the Rock Church.

Christendom has lost a leader, but heaven welcomed a general. We mourn the tragic passing of a great man, but re-echo his words: “The greater tragedy would have been a life lived without fulfilling purpose.” Rest in our Father’s bosom, Dr. Myles and Ruth Munroe.

Bishop Tudor Bismark

Co-founder, Jabula New Life Ministries, Zimbabwe

Myles Munroe was a prince, an icon and a legend. He was my friend and a brother. He changed churches, families, nations and tribes. He was definitely one of the greatest teachers the world produced in the 20th and 21st century. Dr. Myles Munroe will be remembered for his courage, faith, sincerity, balance and passion for God and the Kingdom. He and his wife, Ruth, were an inspiration to so many, and their example will live on for many years to come. They are truly irreplaceable. Gone too soon! My wife, ChiChi, & I miss them already. To their children, we send our hearts’ condolences and prayers. There are no words right now for what has taken place, and all we can offer is our support to him. And to their Church and the entire family of Bahamas Faith Ministries, Chichi and I, and Jabula New Life Ministries International are with you. Our God is still God, and His Kingdom will reign forever and ever.

Dr. Mike Murdock,

Founder, The Wisdom Centre, USA

A fabulous friend has gone to be with Jesus Christ. To Dr. Myles Munroe and the staff killed in the plane crash, we travelled many miles together.

Creflo Dollar

Founder, World Changers Church International

My wife, Taffi, and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife, Ruth. We send our prayers and condolences to the Munroe family and all families affected in the tragic event.

Culled from Punch Newspaper

Nigeria won’t divide in 2015 — Sultan, Kukah

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Fr. Mathew Kukah, have said that Nigeria will not break up as a result of crises being anticipated during the 2015 general elections.

 

Sultan of Sokoto

 According to them, Nigeria will remain united, no matter the drums of war being beaten by some persons who do not wish the country well but they called on Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to work towards sustainable dialogue, reconciliation and peace.

The Sultan, represented by the Andoma of Doma in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Ahmadu   Onawo, and Kukah, spoke in separate interviews with our correspondent during a roundtable on, “Rekindling the Spirit and Culture of Volunteerism in Nigeria,” jointly organised by Kukah Centre and the Department of Mission and Dialogue, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.

The Sultan said, “The ordinary man in Nigeria loves this country, the ordinary man in Nigeria believes in the indivisibility of this country. The ordinary man in Nigeria believes that Nigeria must remain one and united always. There is no division among Nigerians because we go to the same market, irrespective of religion; same hospital, without knowing who the doctor or nurse is and his religion. We have one shared aspiration, one nation and one people who exist in peace and supportive of each other.

“We have always prayed that nothing divides this country. We have ways prayed that God sustains Nigeria and Nigerians in unity and as brothers and by the grace of God nothing will happen to Nigeria. In 2015, Nigeria will remain one indivisible nation. It is not anybody’s evil prophecy that has kept us together but God. For politicians, let’s fear God and allow the will of God to be done.”

Kukah said since the country had become severely fractured it was the responsibility of everybody as individuals and communities to deal with the issues.

“It is our responsibility as victims to take very seriously the issues of our own security,” the cleric said.

He said there was nothing to fear about the 2015 general elections.

He said, “Everyday defines who we are and the future of this country is not tied to a date. People have always moved in Nigeria; they moved in 2011 and nothing happened. They moved in 1993 elections and nothing happened. Those who are moving in different directions will be disappointed because this is our country and from what I have heard from the Independent National Electoral Commission, we have no reason to doubt INEC.

“The commission has done a few things pretty well, which suggests to me that a lot of the areas that tend to portend violence in Nigeria will soon be a thing of the past. The most important thing to us is for INEC to educate Nigerians on the options that are now available. I urge the citizenry to take their minds away from the thinking that Nigeria is going to break in 2015. We are still in 2014 and still have two to three months to go. The key political actors are aspiring but nobody knows who will be there in 2015.”

Culled from Punch Newspaper

Popular Gospel Artistes Endorse Steve Crown

By: Frank Eboye and Paul Ijaja

Prominent gospel artistes in the country last Sunday endorsed and welcomed an upcoming gospel sensation, Steve Crown, into the Nigerian gospel music industry.

The endorsements, which came in torrents from many established gospel artistes in Nigeria, took place at the first album launch of the fair-skinned gospel musician.

Steve Crown Singing at the event

It was indeed a well-attended event graced by prominent gospel musicians as well as well-meaning figures in the Christendom.

Leading the pack of the other gospel singers, who gave their endorsements to Steve Crown that evening, was the Prince of the Niger Delta, the ever-accessible Asu Ekiye. Others were Pastor Kingsley Ike, Chris Morgan and a host of others.

While endorsing Steve, the Wakowiye crooner, Asu Ekiye, who is the current President of the Fellowship of Gospel Musicians, told the audience how a single song had taken him to five continents in the world. He informed that a particular President of a country now addresses him by his name-“the first time a president will call me Asu Ekiye”, he added.

Rev.Joshua Telena's representative unveiling the cds

Asu said that a single song had made him to perform at great altars in the world, advising that one song was all one needs. He advised that one did not need many songs to be blessed but if God gives one many songs, that is a huge grace.”One song can take you up to 50 years”, he submitted.

In his endorsement statement, Kingsley Ike described Steve as a very humble young man. He equally advised him to remain ever humble and keep moving as he would never fail.

In his endorsement, Chris Morgan went entirely spiritual, as he had the young talent on his knees while he poured out blessings of grace on him in prayers.

Morgan, singing his popular”Hallow Be Your Name”, practically blessed Steve with prayers. He prayed for rising grace for the young and up-coming gospeller. He also prayed that men shall see him as a role model of humility.

Asu Ekiye at the event

Morgan also took a time out to thank the people who had come all the way to support Steve, lamenting the fact that these days, people can go to any length to support secular events but find it extremely hard to support anything gospel.

The event which was anchored by the popular ITV comedian, C-Ri Snow, who treated the audience to some rib-cracking jokes, had prominent Nigerians and Chinese Investors, who were led by the Chief Executive Officer, Happiness International industrial Group Limited, were all in attendance. These Chinese investors were not left out in supporting the young talent at his album launch, as they collective donated the sum of USD800.

First to launch the ever-awaited music album was The Shepherd House Senior Pastor, Revd. Joshua Telena, who was ably represented by the Church’s Resident Pastor, Pastor Tadje.

Tadje, while unveiling the music album, fervently prayed that the creative work would take the singer to places in the world, as many would equally be blessed by it. He later presented a cheque of an undisclosed amount, which he said came from The Shepherd House’s helmsman.

Though, the amount was not disclosed, the pastor affirmed that it was indeed a very heavy cheque

 Speaking to The Christendom Newspaper on the sidelines of the album launch, the fair-skinned and handsome gospel musician, who said he was actually very happy to have such a successful album launch, thanked everyone for their time, money, presence and other supports. ‘’ I am very happy as I know that people will be so blessed by what they will hear from the album’’.

On where he sees himself in the next two years, Steve said: ‘’Where God wants me to be’’.

The well-organized and well-attended album launch, which started with a Red-Carpet at 4pm, ended with Steve rendering the lead song of his newly-launched album entitled: You Are Great!