Some of the bishops at retreat
By Akpan David, Calabar
Justice Frederick Oho of the Appeal Court has cautioned clerics in Nigeria to respect governments and stop speaking of leaders.
The judge who spoke to a large gathering of Bishops of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star during their 2-day retreat in Biakpan community in Biase LGA of Cross River State, called on them to obey laws of the land.
He frowned at a situation where high ranking clergymen make unguarded and inciting statements to their congregations,running down governments instead of praying for them.
Oho however said, “A bishop should be vocal in the public sphere. He should be an advocate of respect for leaderships at any level, encouraging the citizens to equally submit themselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.
“Bishops should be commited to the wider communities and to the civil society in general. They should be bridge builders, reconciled and symbol of peace and unity”, he said.
Quoting copiously from the scriptures, Justice Oho also cautioned the top clerics to be tolerant and accommodating to other religions, fostering healthy relationships with different peoples and beliefs.
The judge commended His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu for the spiritual training and discipline he has inculcated in his priests especially the hundreds of Bishops in his organisation, hoping that they will positively impact the larger society.
