The Resolutions of the Bishops’ Plenary

The Resolutions of the Bishops’ Plenary

The closing Mass of the First Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Abuja was not only a liturgical climax but also the moment when the bishops’ collective voice was crystallized into a communiqué.

This document, issued at the Catholic Secretariat in Durumi, captured the essence of their deliberations and set forth a roadmap for the Church’s engagement with Nigeria’s pressing realities. 

 

At the heart of the resolutions was a call for leadership rooted in the common good. The bishops decried the pervasive culture of corruption, insecurity, and economic hardship, urging political leaders to embrace governance that prioritizes justice, accountability, and the dignity of every citizen.

They emphasized that leadership must be service, not self-interest, and reminded those in power that the nation’s wealth and resources are entrusted for the benefit of all, not a privileged few.  

The communiqué also addressed the Church’s internal mission. The bishops resolved to intensify evangelization, strengthen catechesis, and foster unity among the faithful.

They highlighted the importance of family life, youth empowerment, and education, recognizing these as pillars for both spiritual renewal and national development.

In their pastoral wisdom, they acknowledged the struggles of ordinary Nigerians and pledged to stand in solidarity with them, offering the Church’s moral guidance and practical support.  

Internationally, the bishops reaffirmed Nigeria’s role within the global Catholic community, expressing solidarity with the universal Church while calling for greater collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change, migration, and peacebuilding.  

The closing Mass thus became more than a ceremonial conclusion; it was the liturgical seal on a week of discernment and dialogue. The resolutions, read aloud and prayed over, carried the weight of prophetic responsibility. They were not abstract ideals but concrete commitments to shepherd the nation’s conscience.  

As the bishops dispersed from Durumi, their words lingered as both challenge and consolation. The faithful were reminded that the Church remains a moral compass in turbulent times, and the nation was urged to heed the call to integrity, justice, and the pursuit of the common good. In this way, the plenary’s closing act was not an ending but a beginning, a renewed mission for the Church in Nigeria’s unfolding story.