Justice and truth, essential for reconciliation –Abp. of
Kaduna
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| Left to right : Archbishop Joseph Tobji and Archbishop Ndagoso. |
Archbishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna in Nigeria has
described justice and truth as essential requisites for reconciliation and
peace in the society.
Catholic News Service of Nigeria – Kaduna, Nigeria
Archbishop Ndagoso made this declaration in his homily at
the funeral Mass for the late traditional ruler of Adara chiefdom, Agom Adara;
Dr Maiwada Raphael Galadima, who was murdered during the crisis that engulfed
the city of Kaduna and its environs, recently. The funeral took place at St
John’s Catholic Church, Kachia, Kaduna State.
Forgiveness does not eliminate the need for justice
The Archbishop quoted the Compendium of the Social Doctrine
of the Church which states that “the weight of the past which cannot be
forgotten can be accepted when mutual forgiveness is offered and received.” To
bolster this position, Archbishop Ndagoso emphasised that “mutual forgiveness
must not eliminate the need for justice and still less does it block the path
that leads to the truth. On the contrary, justice and truth represent the
concrete requisites for reconciliation.”
The Archbishop appealed to the Government of the Kaduna
state and security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous
crime are brought to justice. He noted that peace is a free gift of God and
like any other gift needs to be received by all.
Peace is a precious gift
Urging all Nigerians, especially the people of Kaduna State
to create an enabling environment for the reception of this free and precious
gift of God, Archbishop Ndagoso added, “We also know that forgiveness is a
search for understanding and understanding does not mean condoning violent
acts,” Said the Kaduna prelate contending that that forgiveness can only be
given to an offender who requests for it.
The Archbishop called on Christians in the State to persist
resolutely in the ways of their faith by remaining human and Christian even in
the worst of times “such as the one we are in.” The Local Ordinary of Kaduna
Archdiocese also commended all those who helped bring the unrest in the state
to a controllable stage. He thanked, in particular, law enforcement agencies
and some priests of the Archdiocese who were in the forefront of calming frayed
nerves. He urged them not to relent in their efforts at returning the troubled
areas to permanent normalcy.
Archbishop Ndagoso extolled the virtues of the late Agom of
Adara, describing him as a committed, faithful and dedicated Catholic, an
exemplary ruler and leader.
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