By PHILOMINA ATTAH

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it was welcoming for the United States (U.S) Government to decide to help Nigeria fight and end killings and insecurity in the country.

The CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a keynote address at the opening of the association’s Fourth Quarterly National Executive Council meeting in Jos on Tuesday, said it was painful for the country to be in the global spotlight for negative reasons.

According to him, though we are pained that Nigeria is being spotlighted for such grievous reasons, if international attention is what is required to spur decisive governmental action to protect lives and bring lasting peace, then we, the Christian community in Nigeria, welcome it.

“CAN has spoken clearly and courageously on this matter, and we stand unwavering by our position that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria.”

He said that in spite of the challenges, the Christian community remained a people of hope, adding that their strength lied in their unity.

He urged Christian leaders to remain steadfast, prayerful, and courageous, and to continue to sow seeds of hope in the midst of sorrow.

The cleric cited scriptural authority, saying “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”.

The Archbishop added that the association would not relent in its campaign for justice and security for its members.

“Let me assure you that CAN will not relent. We will continue to demand justice. We will continue to call for accountability,” he said.

Okoh also called for the resettlement of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral lands, describing their prolonged displacement as a “painful indictment on the national conscience”.

“Our God has not abandoned us. This darkness shall not overcome the light of Christ,” he added.

The CAN President said that the choice of Jos for the meeting was intentional, purposeful, and deeply symbolic.

He described the city as a land that had “wept bitterly, prayed fervently, and yet continued to rise with a steadfast faith”.

He expressed hope that the outcomes of the meeting would advance the unity of the Church and contribute to peace for all Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting is expected to deliberate on key national issues and strategies for the Christian body in the coming year. (NAN, but headline rejigged)