Eid-EI-Kabir – Bishop Ezeokafor Advocates Religious Tolerance

By Abuchi Onwumelu

The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has felicitated with the Muslim Community the world over, on their Eid-eI-Kabir celebration, even as he has called for peaceful co-existence.

The ecumenical Prelate urged the celebrants to use the period of the celebration to pray for one indivisible Nigeria, where peace, justice and fairness would reign supreme.

Bishop Ezeokafor who gave out his felicitation message at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, said he had always advocated for religious tolerance, respect for one another, as well as sanctity of human life, emphasizing that all were created by one God.

‘I share in your celebration. Let us use this period to ask ourselves pertinent questions; questions that will put us on the right footing. Questions that will make us live together in peace and oneness. Questions that will make us love and cherish one another.

‘I am always out to identify with the people, irrespective of race, colour, religion or tongue. I do not discriminate. After all, we are created by one true God,’ Bishop Ezeokafor said.

The Cleric, while rejoicing with the Muslim faithful, enjoined Nigerians to always shun religious fanaticism, campaign of calumny, hate speeches, mudslinging and acts capable of heating up the polity.

Bishop Ezeokafor also used the medium to welcome President Muhammad Buhari back to the country after his 10-day vacation in London.