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(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Catholic Diocese of Oyo has urged the Muslim faithful in Nigeria to embrace and pray for peace, justice, and an end to social vices in the country as they begin Ramadan fast.
The church made the call in a statement on Tuesday.
It was signed jointly by the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Emmanuel Badejo, and Joseph Ogundipe, the Diocesan Director, Inter-Religious Dialogue (IRD).
The clerics said people should be concerned about the current siege on parts of the country through violent kidnapping, rape, and killing of women, farmers, and even ordinary citizens while going about their lawful duties.
Pope Francis’ recent visit to the Iraqi the cities of Baghdad, Najaf, Ur, Mosul, Qaraqosh and Erbil has witnessed various interpretations. The ancient land of Mesopotamia is the birthplace of Abraham, the famous father of the three monotheistic religions. The Iraqi region which has seen unprecedented ethno-sectarian conflicts in the last two decades is home to the oldest Christian sects in the world. Alongside other ethnic sects like Arab Sunnis, Yazidis, Kurds and Shiites, the Christian minority suffered great persecution.
With an atmosphere of religious extremism and intolerance, Christians in Iraq have paid the supreme price. With Churches decorated by bullet holes and bomb-rubbles, the Christian- remnant lives in fear and intimidation. While congregations were attacked and clerics kidnapped or killed, life in the region is a replica of the days of early Christian persecution. Therefore, it was a big deal for the Catholic Pontiff to visit and bring a clear message of peace, for
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