Focus on winning souls, not materialism, politics,Uzodimma tells Churches
Imo state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has admonished churches to prioritise the winning of souls as against the current craze for materialism embodied in prosperity gospel.
He also cautioned priests against using the pulpit to play politics as that was against the tradition of the church.
He spoke on Thursday in Abuja as the Chairman of the occasion during the General Assembly of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.
Uzodimma who reflected on the theme of the Assembly, Faithfulness to the Liturgy: A Liturgical Vision for a Hopeful Future in Abuja Archdiocese, deplored the practice whereby churches place more emphasis on materialism and politics above evangelism and strict observance to the Liturgy.
” IT is true that church infrastructure is important, but no edifice, no matter how grand can substitute for the winning of souls. That remains the church’s foremost duty, “he submitted.
He lamented what he described as the monetisation of the liturgy through fundraising activities embedded in the church, saying that it erodes the sacredness of worship.
Uzodimma said the blessings from the liturgy were not for sale as being practised by some ignorant priests.
Uzodimma stated,” we understand that the church has financial needs. But there is already a calendar for bazaars and harvests. And when funds are raised, let it be done with dignity and restraint befitting the house of God. ”
While urging the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama to raise some of those aberrations at the Bishops conference, with a view to restoring order, Uzodimma campaigned vigorously for a deep respect for the liturgy by Catholic faithful.
” What distinguishes the Catholic Church through the ages is her uncompromising commitment to liturgical discipline. This fidelity has preserved her unity,integrity, and witness. For me, the liturgy is the soul of the church while liturgical discipline is the oxygen that sustains her, “the governor submitted.
On the progress so far made by the Abuja Archdiocese and its future, Uzodimma was full of praises for both the clergy and the laity for the appreciable strides recorded.
According to him , with the number of priests and religious and parishes, Abuja Archdiocese had justified its creation from Minna Diocese about 40 years ago.
He declared, “from my personal experience attending Mass in Abuja, I can testify that there is a strong commitment to the structure and spirit of the liturgy. This is heartwarming, and it must be preserved. ”
He called on the Archdiocese to remain faithful, renew its commitment to the Liturgy as holy witness while raising a generation of clergy and laity who will see the liturgy not as a task but as a gift.
