By Obi Uchendu (Religious Affairs/Society Reporter)
As Christians all over the world celebrate Christmas on Saturday this week, the Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria (SSPN), Knights of St. John International (KSJI), Prof. Remy Uche, has enjoined the followers of Christ to show love among fellow human beings and also tolerate people of other religious faith.
Uche, in his Christmas message made available to the media on Sunday, December 19, 2021, by his Chief of Staff and Head, Public Communications, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, urged Christians in Nigeria to endure whatever human-made religion-based odds or biases currently against them and take the path of example and extend the spirit of real love, happiness and tolerance for one another to the people of other religions or faiths in the country.
He said this would create the elusive convivial atmosphere that would encourage and breed peace and tranquillity, as well as eliminate mutual suspicions that tend to create unnecessary conflict among the citizens because of religion differences and intolerance.
The Knight of St John's President in Nigeria was of the opinion that with spirit of tolerance, true love, peace and happiness with one another in the country, which the season of Christmas signifies, the frequent religion-induced crisis that has been intractable in a the country would substantially reduce or will be completely eliminated.
Prof. Uche noted that mutual suspicion arising from religion issues, especially intolerance, due to lack of respect, love and happiness among the people of different regions, tribes and cultures had been a major factor in the lingering crisis between mainly Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.
He believes that as soon as genuine love, understanding, and mutual respect exist in the hearts of the different peoples, mutual suspicion which triggers crisis would vanish and give way to peace, love, happiness, and tranquillity in the country.
Prof. Uche emphasized that the season of Christmas shouldn't be a period for conflicts and religious intolerance but should rather, in the spirit of the core values of Christ, be used to advance the cause of peace, justice, equity, fairness, orderliness, and tranquillity in our society.
He, therefore, encouraged Christians, particularly members of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI) to find time during the season to invite their fellow Muslim citizens to their homes and places of worship to celebrate Christmas, as a bold step towards closing the yawning gap of the religious divide.
The Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria (SSPN), condemned the usual orchestrated religious violence in many parts of the country and called for a seizure of such hostilities which he described as unnecessary things that do not enhance the development of the society. He also reminded KSJI members that the Christmas season is a period for sober reflection and self-examination.
Prof Uche however called on privileged members of the society to endeavor to help and uplift the weak and vulnerable innate spirit of Christmas, just as urged the rich members of the Knight of St. John to extend a helping hand to the not so rich and privileged members of the Catholic Soldiers of Christ.
Prof Uche expressed hope that the future would be brighter for the people of God through God's intervention. He also expressed gratitude to the KSJI members in Nigeria for their confidence in him and the overwhelming support they gave him to lead the Nigerian Commandery in its post-crisis era.
He stated that such support was an elixir for him and members of his team to provide the desired quality leadership and restoration of the body in Nigeria to its previous glory. He also emphasized the importance of the maintenance of discipline in the Order, irrespective of status.
Uche on behalf of the Joint Board of the Supreme Subordinate Commandery in Nigeria wished every member of the Order in Nigeria a delightful Christmas celebration and a brighter new year. "I pray God Almighty to guide and protect all through the Christmas season and in the New Year" , Prof Uche stated. NNL.