The Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja is worried about the degrading dignity of human life in Nigeria with a call on the Federal Government to step in and stop the hardship, banditry, killings and bloodshed in Nigeria.

The organisation believed that the growing number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Nigeria are competing with estates in the cities.

The Archdiocese also outlined an “appropriate” dressing code for its priests for liturgical functions, “including wearing black shoes and trousers instead of any other coloured footwear (such as sneakers, canvas or palm sandals) or coloured trousers for the celebration of the Mass.”

“Priests should dress appropriately for liturgical functions, including wearing black shoes and trousers instead of any other coloured footwear (such as sneakers, canvas or palm sandals) or coloured trousers for the celebration of Mass. Priests should refrain from incomplete dressing with the alb or cassocks and stole only for the celebration of Mass”, it warned.

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama and Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Sam Tumba,

Raised the concerns in a pastoral message they signed at the end of the 6th General Assembly the Archdiocese

With the theme, “Faithfulness To The Liturgy: A Liturgical Vision For A Hopeful Future in Abuja Archdiocese”

The message reads, “Our hearts are heavy with concern for the persistent challenges facing our nation. Because of our shared humanity, we cannot but be profoundly concerned for the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death. Every life matters. It is in this light, that we collectively, as an Archdiocese, echo an urgent appeal to the government, joining our voices to that of the Catholic Bishops of Abuja Province, to rise up to the occasion and take definitive actions to stop the incessant killings, terrorism, banditry and economic hardships ravaging our people. People are losing their homes.

“The growing number of IDP camps are competing with estates in the cities.

“We condemn the senseless terrorist attacks in Yelwata Community of Benue State, and other kidnapping incidents, which have subjected countless families to unspeakable trauma and suffering. These acts are a grave affront to human dignity and a direct challenge to the fundamental right to life, as upheld in the social teachings of the Church and the constitution of our dear country, Nigeria.” (AriseNews TV)

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