Religion and Politics

 

I am a Roman Catholic and I am worried for Father Ejike Mbaka. It is

disheartening what is happening to him.

Many would argue that it is self inflicted. Personally, I prefer to take a holistic view of the matter.

It is often said that religious leaders should steer clear of politics and I wonder how possible it is.

When terrorists target places of worship, it behoves the religious leaders to react.

In times past societies were more homogeneous but today it is different. There are various pluralities.

In a church of people of different Political beliefs it is difficult for church leaders to take sides.

I sympathize with the leaders. The case of Father Ejike Mbaka is quite distressing.

While I accept the fact that he is well within his rights to hold Political views, his leadership position in the church demands of him a level of circumspection.

As a Roman Catholic, I feel very uncomfortable commenting on this matter in public.

Ordinarily, the matter is quite clear, since the church has hierarchy but the level of faith and understanding differs.

With regards to the protest arising from the closure of the adoration ministry, Father Mbaka has distanced himself but for his adherents, it is a different matter.

The present situation calls for wisdom. Society is plural and the stakes are quite high.

Every body involved has a responsibility to ensure the situation does not deteriorate further.

There is a need for utmost vigilance.