The Archbishop of Canterbury designate, Most Rev. Justin Welby, and former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on Thursday announced a new programme to promote cordial Muslim-Christian relations in Nigeria.?
This is contained in a statement emailed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the Tony Blair Faith Foundation in Abuja.
The statement named, Ghazi bin Mohammed, of Jordan and the duo as prime movers of the foundation-led work in Nigeria to encourage reconciliation between Christian and Muslim communities.
It noted that the foundation would embark on a plan of action with local Christian and Muslim leaders and young people.
It added that the initiative would encourage leaders and youths from both faiths “to build sustainable co-existence through joint leadership, education and action on shared challenges, such as preventing deaths from malaria.’’
To demonstrate the nature of the work, Blair, Welby, and bin-Mohammed, were reported to have participated in a Faith Foundation-run video conference between Muslim and Christian students.
The conference was aimed at encouraging greater dialogue and understanding between the faiths.
The foundation said its high school programme, Face to Faith, brought high school students together in over 19 countries “so they can learn from each other directly’’.
Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, were reported to have attended the video-conference.
The statement noted that the religious leaders welcomed efforts to encourage unity and peaceful co-existence between Muslim and Christian communities.
It stated that Oritsejafor said: “this is an important moment for us as a country.? I believe in progressive dialogue.? Dialogue where we can set goals and timelines.
“To find great people coming from around the world to help us in this is incredible.
Also, the Sultan of Sokoto, described the video conference as “an eye opener’’,? adding: “what the children discussed captured exactly what we are trying to do.
“We need to understand one another.? We need education to know what our religions teach us.? We also need to love one another like we love ourselves,’’ he added.
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