The Bishop of Zaria diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ali Buba Lamido, has expressed dismay over the leadership crisis in the Christian Association of Nigeria,CAN, stating that the Christian body has completely disconnected itself from the primary constituency it is meant to represent.
In a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna, Thursday, the Bishop noted that recent developments in the CAN calls for serious concern.
He said, “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in recent times has become a shadow of itself. The leadership of CAN has gradually, in its thirst for power, material gain and opulence made government its constituency.
“Pulpits have been reduced to campaign platforms for politicians. The leadership of the Christian body at different levels is now an avenue for some avaricious few to make money.
“Men of God have turned to lovers of money and power. The Christian body seems to be at ease with the corruption from all sectors of the country and treat their members with cavalier contempt.”
The Bishop added, “As a matter of fact, the leadership is completely disconnected from its primary constituency, the Christians it was meant to represent. CAN should be able to put its house in order to sustain its rule within different denominations and promote cross pollination of ideas in various Christian communities.
“CAN should devise the means of financing tithe association instead of relying on government to fund its activities. Member Churches should be made to pay their dues and also contribute generously so as to run the association effectively.
“Making government houses to look like ATM machines is unacceptable. I feel very strogly that part of the reason why CAN will always find it find it difficult to challenge the government hinged on the saying that he who pays the piper dictates the tune.”
He expressed displeasure that Christian leaders were advocating the zoning of CAN leadership to certain regions of the country. “It is most unfortunate that Christian leaders at this time of trying to unite the country would be playing the ethnic card,” he added.
Rt. Rev. Lamido noted that the leaders were supposed to be the ones to de-emphasize tribal or regional sentiments, stressing, “I think what CAN needs are men of integrity, who are ready to go to any length to see that the Church in this country is united and also takes its place. Men who do not see CAN leadership as the sumptuous softness of palace splendor.
“As the election for CAN officials draw nearer, l call on those responsible for the voting to vote men who have what it takes to move the association forward. We cannot continue this way. We cannot kill this association in our time.”
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