More from Nigeria
By Aaron Menikoff February 25, 2006
There is an evangelical Anglican presence in Nigeria providing some helpful insight into the disturbing Muslim-Christian violence. In this article published online February 24, Christian leaders, including Archbishop Akinola, sadly report that it is increasingly difficult to keep young Christians from retaliating in the face of Muslim attacks. Here’s an exerpt:
“We have for a long time now watched helplessly the killing, maiming and destruction of Christians and their property by Muslim fanatics and fundamentalists at the slightest or no provocation at all,” Archbishop Akinola wrote. “Peace is absolutely necessary for realizing our dreams and aspirations for Nigeria.”
But Archbishop Akinola also sought to remind “our Muslim brothers that they do not have the monopoly of violence in this nation,” and the Church “may no longer be able to contain our restive youths” should attacks on Christians continue.
Dr. Sookhdeo, a convert from Islam to Christianity and a priest of the Church of England, agreed, noting, “peaceful conduct is all too often seen as weakness by Muslims.”
If Western governments and Church leaders “will not condemn the anti-Christian violence or even publicize it, can they be so surprised when non-Western Christians–goaded beyond endurance–finally fight back?” Dr. Sookhdeo said.
These are difficult days for our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria. They need wisdom to know how to protect their property and, more importantly, their families in the face of this violence.