Urgent need for accountability among Nigerian clergy

Religion plays a central role in the lives of millions of people in Nigeria, shaping morality, guiding societal norms and fostering community.

However, the abuse of religious power by some leaders is a growing concern. Particularly troubling is the trend of pastors using law enforcement to silence critics, raising serious ethical and social issues.

This material examines the consequences of such actions, examines the responsibilities of religious leaders, and advocates for accountability and transparency in spiritual leadership.

Religious leaders, police intimidation

Reports of pastors using their influence to get the police to arrest critics have surfaced across Nigeria. These arrests, often based on accusations of defamation or “personal assassination,” reveal the abuse of power in the guise of protecting reputations.

The objects of these arrests are informants, journalists, former parishioners and even compatriots. Instead of maintaining dialogue or resolving disputes peacefully, these leaders resort to legal intimidation, which is contrary to the principles of forgiveness, humility and responsibility that are fundamental to Christian teachings.

Consequences of police abuse of power

– Erosion of trust: Abuse of police powers alienates believers, undermining moral trust in religious institutions. Actions contrary to Christian values ​​such as tolerance and reconciliation undermine public trust.

– Suppression of free speech: Criminalizing dissent stifles dialogue, prevents critical engagement with religious teachings, and sets a dangerous precedent.

– Distraction from spiritual duties: participation in the struggle for power diminishes the main role of pastors – spiritual guidance and pastoral care.

– Legal and Ethical Issues: Using the police to intimidate violates human rights, exposing leaders to legal consequences and public backlash.

Biblical perspectives on leadership and responsibility

The Bible contains clear principles of spiritual guidance. In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus urged leaders to serve others, not lord it over them. Similarly, Proverbs 27:17 emphasizes mutual responsibility: “As iron sharpens iron, so one sharpens another.”

A pastor’s authority should inspire exemplary behavior, not shield him from attention. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for their critical analysis of Paul’s teachings, emphasizing the importance of open participation in the faith.

Steps to promote accountability

1. Internal Oversight: Establish oversight committees to handle complaints and mediate disputes within churches, reducing the need for outside intervention.
2. Encourage dialogue: foster openness where constructive criticism is welcome, fostering unity and resolving misunderstandings.
3. Educating parishioners about their rights: Empower followers with knowledge of their rights in a religious and legal context, promoting balanced power dynamics.
4. Limiting use by law enforcement agencies: The police should only intervene in real criminal cases, not as a tool to settle personal scores.
5. Role of Christian Associations: Bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) should enforce ethical principles and hold erring leaders to account.

The need for reflection and repentance:

The actions of some pastors create an opportunity for introspection and reform. Leaders must prioritize the spiritual and emotional well-being of their flock, accepting sincere repentance and Christ-like humility to restore trust in them.

Citizens must also balance respect for leaders with a commitment to the truth. Blind devotion to human authority, however charismatic, can cause spiritual and social harm.

Pastors’ abuse of police power to silence critics undermines basic Christian principles, damages trust, and stifles democratic ideals. By embracing openness, promoting accountability, and adhering to biblical teachings, the Christian community can address these challenges and support ethical leadership.

Religious leaders are household rulers entrusted to lead their congregations in truth and love. Abusing this trust for personal gain or silencing dissent betrays their divine calling. As Christians, we must collectively strive for a faith that reflects the humility, compassion, and integrity of Christ, inspiring and uniting, not intimidating and divisive.

In conclusion, suffice it to say that religious leaders are stewards of their congregations, entrusted with the daunting responsibility of leading them in truth and love. Abuse of this trust for personal gain or to silence dissent is a betrayal of their divine calling.
As Christians, we must strive together for a faith that reflects the humanity, compassion, and integrity of Christ—a faith that uplifts and unites, not intimates and separates.

* Dimas wrote from Laurel, Maryland, USA via (email protected)