Catholic bishop warns Christians against extortion
Catholic bishop warns Christians against extortion
Most Rev. Michael Gokum, the Catholic Bishop of Pankshin in Plateau, has advised Christians against extortion.
Gokum gave the advice on Sunday at the launch of the 2022 Lenten Campaign of the diocese in Kabwir, Kanke Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the diocese uses the Lenten campaign to raise funds to support the poor and the less privileged in society.
The bishop, who urged Christians especially Catholics to use the 40-day prayers and fasting period to embrace good and shun evil, maintained that the society was in dire need of positive changes.
Gokum called on Christians to be the light of the world, adding that the evil of cheating and extortion was becoming a norm in Nigeria.
“In this season of Lent, we are not only encouraged to fast, give alms and pray but we are also advised to stay away from evil acts.
“It is the season we are advised to totally submit ourselves to God; make ourselves available for Him to use us as His instrument of goodwill.
“This is why I want to advise us today to desist from cheating and extorting others because God detests such evil acts.
“Use any position that God places you to support others and not to suppress them,” he advised.
The cleric also urged Christians to live exemplary lifestyles worthy of emulation by others, adding that such would make the world a better place.
On the Lenten campaign launch, Gokum explained that money raised would be used to support the poor and the less privileged within the archdiocese and beyond.
He explained that the diocese, through its social arm, the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), has executed many humanitarian projects.
He said that the church would continue to deploy resources toward alleviating the plight of the less privileged in the society, devoid of the tribe or religious considerations.
The 2022 Lenten campaign has “Participation of Catholics in politics: A panacea for good governance, peace and national development’’ as its theme. (NAN)
