Christian groups in Nigeria threaten to retaliate after attacks
12 June (ENInews)--Some Christian groups in Nigeria are threatening
to retaliate as churches continue to experience attacks attributed to
Boko Haram, a violent Islamist group.
Attacks on 10 June on two churches in the towns of Jos in Plateau State and Biu in Borno state killed at least five people and injured several others.
"This act of bombing by Boko Haram is capable of causing another civil war and we are ready for it," Anglican Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma of Enugu told journalists on 11 June. He said Christians would no longer tolerate the bombings, saying they had decided to retaliate after their calls for calm hit a "brick wall."
Following the attack in Jos, enraged youth went on rampage, killing at least six Muslims, according to news reports.
"No religion, either Islam or Christianity, condones attacks on innocent persons," said a Muslim leader, Sheikh Alhassan Sa'id. Some Christian leaders also censured the killings.
Meanwhile, Reformed church leaders in Nigeria are asking for prayers in the wake of attacks.
The Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC) and the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (HEKAN), the two most affected of the six members of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), sent the requests through the Geneva-based organization.
"We ask for prayers and encouragement," said Peter Aya, General Secretary of the ERCC.
HEKAN's president, Emmanuel Dziggau, said the church was seeking peaceful solutions. "The advice I give members is to pray, not to react," Dziggau wrote in a cell phone text message sent following a peace meeting in the area.
Setri Nyomi, WCRC's general secretary, expressed outrage at the loss of life and destruction of communities through misuse of religion.
Nyomi said the WCRC appreciated the work of churches in reaching out to peace-loving Muslims to build harmonious communities in Nigeria. "We call on all our member churches to pray for peace in the country and for wisdom in building communities for peace in these trying times," said Nyomi.
ERCC has called for a day of prayer and fasting on 17 June in which parishes throughout the country will raise funds to support those who have lost property or belongings.
Source: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/digest/index.cfm/2012/6/14/Christian-groups-in-Nigeria-threaten-to-retaliate-after-attacks
Attacks on 10 June on two churches in the towns of Jos in Plateau State and Biu in Borno state killed at least five people and injured several others.
"This act of bombing by Boko Haram is capable of causing another civil war and we are ready for it," Anglican Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma of Enugu told journalists on 11 June. He said Christians would no longer tolerate the bombings, saying they had decided to retaliate after their calls for calm hit a "brick wall."
Following the attack in Jos, enraged youth went on rampage, killing at least six Muslims, according to news reports.
"No religion, either Islam or Christianity, condones attacks on innocent persons," said a Muslim leader, Sheikh Alhassan Sa'id. Some Christian leaders also censured the killings.
Meanwhile, Reformed church leaders in Nigeria are asking for prayers in the wake of attacks.
The Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ (ERCC) and the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (HEKAN), the two most affected of the six members of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), sent the requests through the Geneva-based organization.
"We ask for prayers and encouragement," said Peter Aya, General Secretary of the ERCC.
HEKAN's president, Emmanuel Dziggau, said the church was seeking peaceful solutions. "The advice I give members is to pray, not to react," Dziggau wrote in a cell phone text message sent following a peace meeting in the area.
Setri Nyomi, WCRC's general secretary, expressed outrage at the loss of life and destruction of communities through misuse of religion.
Nyomi said the WCRC appreciated the work of churches in reaching out to peace-loving Muslims to build harmonious communities in Nigeria. "We call on all our member churches to pray for peace in the country and for wisdom in building communities for peace in these trying times," said Nyomi.
ERCC has called for a day of prayer and fasting on 17 June in which parishes throughout the country will raise funds to support those who have lost property or belongings.
Source: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/digest/index.cfm/2012/6/14/Christian-groups-in-Nigeria-threaten-to-retaliate-after-attacks
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