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The pulpit is for peace, not personal attacks — Taraba CAN Chairman to clerics

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The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Taraba State, Very Rev. Dr. Fr. Williams Awoshiri, has warned Christian leaders against misusing the pulpit as a tool for division, hate, or political insults.

Awoshiri urged them to maintain its sanctity as a platform for peace, moral instruction and responsible engagement with those in authority.

The cleric issued the warning on Saturday in his New Year message to Christians and residents of the state, describing the pulpit as a sacred responsibility that requires careful handling and spiritual maturity.

“The pulpit is a sacred trust, a holy platform entrusted to us to proclaim the Word of God in truth, love, wisdom, and power,” he said.

Awoshiri emphasized that although the Church has a clear prophetic mandate, such a role must be carried out with restraint and wisdom in order not to aggravate existing social and political tensions.

He cautioned that the pulpit should never be turned into a space for personal attacks, hate speech, incitement, or reckless statements capable of deepening divisions in society.

“Our calling is to build faith, promote godly values, encourage peace, and nurture moral discipline,” the CAN chairman warned.

He further noted that speaking truth to those in authority remains a fundamental duty of the Church, but stressed that it must always be done in a constructive and prayerful manner.

According to him, “While the Church has a prophetic role in speaking truth to power, such engagement must be constructive, prayerful and guided by wisdom and patriotism.”