Bishop Onaga says good cultural practices do not contradict Christianity, urging Christians to uphold traditions that promote unity, discipline and peaceful coexistence.
Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, has urged Christians to embrace good cultural practices, stressing that respecting and participating in cultural traditions does not contradict Christianity.
Onaga spoke during a Holy Mass and thanksgiving organised by the immediate past Development Centre Administrators in Enugu State at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, on Sunday.
He said the Church recognised the importance of culture through inculturation, which involves expressing Christian teachings within the cultural traditions of a people.
The bishop urged Christians to distinguish between cultural practices and traditional religious worship, noting that participation in cultural activities did not automatically amount to idol worship.
“To participate in masquerade dance is not evil, but to worship masquerades is wrong,” he said.
Onaga said cultural practices should promote unity, discipline, respect for humanity and peaceful coexistence while remaining consistent with Christian teachings.
He also urged Christians to demonstrate genuine love, compassion and selfless service to humanity, irrespective of religious, cultural or social differences.
“If you are going to do good today, do it because it is good to do good. That is what the Church is teaching us,” he said, stressing that Christians should do good without expecting material rewards or appreciation.
Expressing concern over hatred, violence, selfishness and conflicts across the world, the bishop urged the former administrators to remain committed to serving humanity, adding that the reward for good work was more work.
In an interview, Chairman of the immediate past Development Centre Administrators Forum, Mr Uche Mbah, said the thanksgiving was organised to appreciate God for the opportunity given to members to serve Enugu State.
Mbah said the administrators served under former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and were retained by Governor Peter Mbah when he assumed office in 2023, until their recent disengagement. He commended the governor for retaining them and appointing some former administrators to other positions in his administration.
He also pledged the forum’s continued support for Governor Mbah ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The forum’s Secretary, Mr Israel Ani, said development centres were established under former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani to bring governance closer to rural communities.
Ani explained that the centres were designed to complement local government councils by ensuring that government programmes and services reached people at the grassroots.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
