Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab,
The 65th Annual Ministers’ Conference of the Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna, has reaffirmed the authority of the Holy Scriptures as the ultimate guide for faith, conduct, and national transformation, while urging Nigerian leaders to govern with integrity and compassion.
The week-long conference, which held from October 6th to 10th, 2025, at the Seminary under the theme “The Authority of Scripture and the Mission of the Church in Troubled Times,” brought together pastors, theological scholars, and church leaders from across the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), representing over 4,000 pastors and 5,000 local churches.
It was made known in a communiqué jointly signed by Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Seminary, and Rev. Dr. Mannaseh Panpe, Acting President of the Seminary.
According to the communiqué, participants emphasized that obedience to God’s Word remains the only path to moral renewal and lasting national peace.
It charged church leaders to not only preach salvation but also exemplify honesty, humility, and compassion in leadership, describing the Church as the “moral conscience of the nation.”
The ministers cautioned against extravagant and financially burdensome wedding and burial ceremonies, saying such practices discourage young couples and families, urged Christians to uphold moderation, simplicity, and godliness that honor Christ above cultural expectations.
The Conference also expressed concern over the silence of some clergy in the face of injustice and corruption, warning that moral timidity weakens the Church’s prophetic voice, as it called on ministers to speak truth to power with courage and wisdom.
On governance and civic responsibility, delegates tasked Christians to take active interest in politics and participate in the 2027 general elections. They described political engagement as both a civic and moral duty that allows believers to promote righteousness in leadership.
The Conference commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for ongoing efforts to promote unity and security, while urging the federal and state governments to prioritize justice, welfare, and peacebuilding initiatives.
It also cautioned against moves by the United States Senate to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious freedom violations, warning that such a step could undermine Nigeria’s access to security support and worsen insecurity.
The delegates instead called for constructive international engagement to strengthen peace and religious tolerance.
Expressing deep concern over the economic hardship facing Nigerians, the ministers urged the government to adopt people-centered policies and lead with the fear of God.
