Catholic bishops reject establishment of National Council for Christian Education – News Block

The Nigerian Conference of Catholic Bishops has rejected a bill to establish the National Council for Christian Education, arguing that the proposed law violates sections 10 and 42(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The bishops tasked the Christian Association of Nigeria, which originally pushed the bill through the National Assembly, to promote legislation that would decisively address unprovoked attacks against Christians in the north, among others, rather than promoting a bill that violates the secular character of Nigeria.

The CBCN rejected the bill in a statement by its president, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, and secretary, Bishop Donatus Ogu.

The bill, which seeks to develop, regulate, and approve the programs/contents at all levels of Christian education, was sponsored by the Hon. Rimamde Kwewum, Hon. Beni Lar, Hon. Yusuf Tajudeen, Hon. John Dyegh, Hon. Solomon Bob and the Hon. Benjamin Mzondu.

The statement said the bill, among others, was designed to certify Christian religion education instructors at the basic and secondary levels and to approve the content of all Christian religion education in all schools and accredit programs. of Christian theological institutions.

The bill, the Catholic bishops lamented, made no exception for seminaries and other religious institutes owned by the various Christian denominations throughout the federation, claiming it infringed their rights to provide instruction and formation in accordance with their respective doctrines, citing Section 42 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.