Inter-Religious Dialogue And Peaceful Co-existence In Nigeria

German economist Karl Marx’s celebrated dictum, “religion is the opium of the people” still resonates more than 170 years after it was made in 1843.

Religion has remained relevant, though sensitive and intoxicating.

“In the world, organised religion remains the most powerful force in society: more than 4.5 billion people (out of 7 billion) identify with one of the world’s four biggest religions, and that figure is rising,” says Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

In Nigeria, the volatility of religion has compelled governments at every level to find means and ways of dousing tension and ensuring peaceful co-existence among adherents of Islam and Christianity-the dominant religions.

African traditional religion, which has lost most its followers to Islam and Christianity, still creates its conflicts but these are dwarfed by Christian/Muslim dichotomy.

In this regard, inter-religious dialogues between Muslims and Christians have been established.

Anglican Church opposes Catholic-Catholic ticket in Enugu guber race

ANGLICAN Communion Bishops under the Enugu Ecclesiastical Province yesterday alleged marginalization of the church in the scheme of things in Enugu state and asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to pick her governorship running mate from its members or lose support of the Anglican Church.

  Expressing support to the candidature of Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,  a Catholic, as the consensus candidate of the party in the state, the church said it had suffered untold hardship in the politics of the state, even with her support and contribution to the development ofthe state.

  Addressing reporters in Enugu, Archbishop of the Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev Emmanuel Chukwuma, said the Anglican Church was opposed to Catholic/Catholic ticket for the governorship position of the state next year.

Minister endorses murder

Shreveport, Louisiana —A Texas minister and anti-abortion leader endorsed the slaying of doctors who perform abortions, in an interview with The Shreveport Times [8/21/94]. W.N. Otwell, pastor of Heritage Baptist Church, in Nacogdoches, Texas, said, “I didn't do it [the recent murders of two Florida abortionists], but I'm not against those that do.”

Otwell also heads an organization called God's Special Forces, a division of God Said Ministries. About 40 members of his group — many of whom were dressed in camouflage Army clothing and berets — recently demonstrated in front of the Hope Medical Group for Women in Shreveport. The protestors carried signs saying, “Abortion is murder,” “There will be no murderers of babies in heaven,” and “We have warned you of God's judgement to come!”

Religious institutions update: December 2014 Holland & Knight LLP Nathan A. "Nate" Adams IV

Every year, religious institutions spend millions purchasing insurance of various types from insurance companies. Many will never make claims on the policies remotely equal to their annual investment in premiums. In these circumstances, religious institutions have reason to consider captive insurance in those jurisdictions where it is permitted. Captive insurance companies are insurance companies formed by the insured with the specific objective of insuring risks emanating from a parent company or group of companies. The advantages can be substantial; for example, after "endowing" the captive insurer, the parent no longer has to make annual "premium payments" unless the captive has an unexpected pay out period. Like ordinary insurers, captive insurers must convince regulators that their business is sound from an actuarial and financial perspective. Typically, captive insurance companies hire outside specialists to assist with this. They retain the underwriting profit and investment income, preserve control over how the religious institution pays losses and settles claims, can develop their own forms and rates based on the insured's experience, and, where necessary, may seek reinsurance to protect against remote risks. Captive insurers can tailor their products to exactly the payout history of your organization, whereas commercial insurers typically lump your risks into the risk profile of other organization. By retaining control over settling claims, captives are able to benefit directly from enhanced loss prevention programs and effective claims management. Not all types of insurance can be insured through captives; not all states authorize captives for every type of organization; and not all risk profiles or organizations can benefit from captives. Smaller organizations may want to join together to benefit from captives. Experienced and sophisticated management from at least outside vendors is important. But when the elements for captive insurance are satisfied, it is an excellent way to benefit from effective risk compliance programs and to steward donated resources. Holland & Knight can provide additional information about captive insurance companies if you are interested in learning more.

Catholic Church in Australia links celibacy to child abuse

     The Australian Catholic Church has released a report that suggests, for the first time, that the vow of celibacy could be linked to child abuse involving priests.The Truth, Justice and Healing Council, a supervisory group which has been working closely with the Australian government in a five-year investigation into child abuse by priests, produced the 44-page report.

Opara Urges Christian Pilgrims To Be Good Ambassadors Of Nigeria

John-Kennedy Opara, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, has pleaded with the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

 He made the appeal on Sunday at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport just before the pilgrims left for the Holy Land.

 He said pilgrimage was for moral and spiritual transformation.

 “Pilgrimage is for moral and spiritual transformation and so I believe that pilgrims will be transformed after this journey.

 “ We also believe that if you have a burden or a challenge, you go to the Lord in prayers and He will meet you at the point of your need.

 “I believe that you will come back as different persons and everyone who relates with you will know that you have an impact on his or her life,’’ Opara said.

RECAP: Pastor's Prediction about What Will Happen In Nigeria This Year

Eight months ago pastor Opeyemi Kayode of Christ Renaissance Christian Church of God whose church is located at Ogba Lagos state made the following predictions.