The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Taraba State, Very Rev. Dr. Fr. Williams Awoshiri, has issued a stern warning to Christian leaders to protect the sanctity of the pulpit.
In a New Year message delivered on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Awoshiri cautioned that the sacred platform must not be weaponized for personal attacks, political insults, or incitement that could inflame social tensions.
The Sacred Trust
Describing the pulpit as a “sacred trust,” Awoshiri emphasized that its primary purpose is to proclaim the Word of God with wisdom and love. He warned that using the church to spread hate speech or reckless utterances is a betrayal of spiritual maturity.
Describing the pulpit as a “sacred trust,” Awoshiri emphasized that its primary purpose is to proclaim the Word of God with wisdom and love. He warned that using the church to spread hate speech or reckless utterances is a betrayal of spiritual maturity.
“The pulpit must never become a platform for personal attacks or incitement that deepens divisions in our society,” he stated. “Our calling is to build faith, promote godly values, and encourage peace.”
Constructive Prophetic Mandate
While acknowledging the Church’s “prophetic role” in speaking truth to power, the CAN Chairman insisted that such engagements must be handled with patriotism and prayer. He noted that criticism of authority should be constructive rather than destructive, ensuring the Church remains a beacon of moral guidance.
While acknowledging the Church’s “prophetic role” in speaking truth to power, the CAN Chairman insisted that such engagements must be handled with patriotism and prayer. He noted that criticism of authority should be constructive rather than destructive, ensuring the Church remains a beacon of moral guidance.
Security and Governance
Awoshiri took the opportunity to commend Governor Agbu Kefas and security agencies for their ongoing efforts to curb insecurity in Taraba. However, he called for “sustained effort” and stronger intelligence gathering to protect vulnerable communities.
Awoshiri took the opportunity to commend Governor Agbu Kefas and security agencies for their ongoing efforts to curb insecurity in Taraba. However, he called for “sustained effort” and stronger intelligence gathering to protect vulnerable communities.
The Governor, in a reciprocal gesture of support, has pledged to rebuild the Taraba CAN Centre, describing the current facility as outdated and unfit for the state’s growing Christian community.
A Call for Unity
As 2026 begins, Awoshiri appealed to all Taraba residents, regardless of ethnic or religious background, to recommit to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, framing security as the essential foundation for the state’s economic progress.
As 2026 begins, Awoshiri appealed to all Taraba residents, regardless of ethnic or religious background, to recommit to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, framing security as the essential foundation for the state’s economic progress.