By Nathaniel Nongo
Christian leaders have enjoined those in secular leadership and followers to uphold values of truth, sacrifice, love and propagating unity in faith as lessons from the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross for the salvation of mankind.
The leaders who were speaking on the Friday edition of PERSPECTIVES, Agate Radio current affairs discussion programme which discussed the significance of Good Friday and Easter Celebrations, acknowledged that the season reenacts the liberation of humanity.
The Diocesan Laity Council President, Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Andrew Njie who was one the discussants on the programme noted that the Lenten season which anchored on prayer, fasting and alms giving prepares the Christendom for the celebration of Easter.
Emphasising the importance Good Friday in the Christian community, the Knight of Saint John International stated that it represented the salvific role of Jesus and victory over death at resurrection during Easter, which he pointed, urging the faithful to draw lessons from the spiritual moments.
Commenting on the relationship between the Church and those in secular leadership authority, the Diocesan Laity Council President maintained that it is the responsibility of the Church to cater for the spiritual needs of the faithful while the state provides the temporal needs, adding that it is also the duty of the Church to support those in leadership through prayers.
The Provincial Secretary, Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Abuja Ecclesiastical Province, Daniel Kwaghza, who was also a discussant on the programme said the Good Friday and Easter season represents the redemption and hope for mankind, calling for sober reflection on the sufferings of Christ.
Mr. Kwagza urged leaders and followers to emulate the humility and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, stressing that it as the Christian community meditates on the agonies Christ went through to lay down His life for the salvation of the people, those in authority should make conscious effort to serve the people better.
The immediate past President, Catholic Laity Council in Makurdi Diocese challenged the faithful to use the season to show love to the vulnerable by visiting IDP camps, hospitals and prisons to share the message of hope with those in such conditions.
