Anglican Diocese Decries Forced Conversion of Christians to Islam  

• Laments growing militancy in the Niger Delta

By Gboyega Akinsanmi

The Diocese of Lagos Mainland Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on Sunday decried the disturbing cases of abduction and forced conversion of Christians to Islam.

It lamented the growing spate of militancy and criminality in the Niger Delta, which, it said, had resulted in bombing of oil installations and sharp reduction in oil production per day.

The diocese also lamented the imminent recession in the economy, thereby calling on the federal government to adopt a fiscal policy that would create jobs, stabilise national currency and restore investors’ confidence.

The diocese expressed the views in a communique it issued after its fourth synod, which started on Thursday and ended on Sunday at the Cathedral of St. Jude, Ebute Meta and All Saints’ Church, Yaba.

The communique, which was signed by the Diocesan Bishop, the Most Rev. Adebayo D. Akinde and the Synod Secretary, Ven. ‘Luyi Akinwande, called for end to militancy in the Niger Delta.

In a three-page document, the synod completely rejected the growing trend of abduction and forced conversion of Christians to Islam, which it said, had become recurrent in the country.

In an unequivocal term, the document described the trend as gross abuse of human rights, which it argued, could only stoke anger, discord and conflict in the land if not effectively managed.

It warned that the growing clashes between crop and livestock farmers in various parts of the country “need to be courageously addressed in a fair, just and honest way that protects free and orderly private enterprise but punishes impunity and criminality.”

Further details later