The Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna, has cautioned the United States government against designating Nigeria as a country that violates religious freedom, warning that such a move could aggravate insecurity and deepen religious tension across the nation.
In a communiqué signed by the chairman, Board of Governors of the Seminary, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and the Acting President, Rev. Dr Mannaseh Panpe, they “appeal to the U.S. and other international bodies not to place Nigeria on that list,”
In the communiqué issued at the end of the 65th Annual Ministers, they said “Such a designation will not solve the problem but may further escalate violence.”
The Seminary argued that the proposed action by the U.S. Senate could limit Nigeria’s access to military support and vital security equipment, which would in turn embolden terrorists and bandits. “Labeling Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom could weaken our capacity to fight insecurity,” it added.
Held under the theme “The Authority of Scripture and the Mission of the Church in Troubled Times,” the conference brought together pastors and church leaders from across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
While acknowledging that Christians in Nigeria face persecution through killings and discrimination, the communiqué maintained that the country’s challenges require partnership, not punishment. “Nigeria needs genuine collaboration and moral support to overcome its security and religious challenges,” it said.
The Seminary urged the U.S. and other international partners to promote dialogue and peacebuilding rather than punitive measures that could fuel division. “Constructive engagement will help strengthen our democracy and unity, not sanctions or blacklisting,” the communiqué stressed.
It also reaffirmed the Church’s duty to speak truth to power, noting that silence in the face of corruption and injustice erodes moral authority. “Pastors must lead with honesty, courage, and compassion. The Church must remain the conscience of the nation,” delegates resolved.
The communiqué frowned at elaborate and financially burdensome weddings and burials, describing them as “ungodly practices that weigh down families and contradict Christian values of modesty and humility.”
It expressed concern over low Christian participation in the electoral process and urged pastors to mobilise members to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Political participation is a moral duty; Christians must help shape a just and righteous nation,” it said.
Delegates commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for efforts to promote unity and security coordination but urged both federal and state governments to sustain reforms and support victims of violence.
The communiqué further lamented rising economic hardship, calling on the government to “govern with the fear of God and place human welfare above political interests.”
It reaffirmed the absolute authority of the Holy Scriptures as the final guide for faith and conduct, stressing that “obedience to God’s Word remains the only path to national renewal, moral reformation, and lasting peace.”
