Justice and truth, essential for reconciliation –Abp. of Kaduna

Catholic News Service of Nigeria – Kaduna, Nigeria

Archbishop Ndagoso made this declaration in his homily at the funeral Mass for the late traditional ruler of Adara chiefdom, Agom Adara; Dr Maiwada Raphael Galadima, who was murdered during the crisis that engulfed the city of Kaduna and its environs, recently. The funeral took place at St John’s Catholic Church, Kachia, Kaduna State.

Forgiveness does not eliminate the need for justice

The Archbishop quoted the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church which states that “the weight of the past which cannot be forgotten can be accepted when mutual forgiveness is offered and received.” To bolster this position, Archbishop Ndagoso emphasised that “mutual forgiveness must not eliminate the need for justice and still less does it block the path that leads to the truth. On the contrary, justice and truth represent the concrete requisites for reconciliation.”

The Archbishop appealed to the Government of the Kaduna state and security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are brought to justice. He noted that peace is a free gift of God and like any other gift needs to be received by all.

Peace is a precious gift

Urging all Nigerians, especially the people of Kaduna State to create an enabling environment for the reception of this free and precious gift of God, Archbishop Ndagoso added, “We also know that forgiveness is a search for understanding and understanding does not mean condoning violent acts,” Said the Kaduna prelate contending that that forgiveness can only be given to an offender who requests for it.

The Archbishop called on Christians in the State to persist resolutely in the ways of their faith by remaining human and Christian even in the worst of times “such as the one we are in.” The Local Ordinary of Kaduna Archdiocese also commended all those who helped bring the unrest in the state to a controllable stage. He thanked, in particular, law enforcement agencies and some priests of the Archdiocese who were in the forefront of calming frayed nerves. He urged them not to relent in their efforts at returning the troubled areas to permanent normalcy.

Archbishop Ndagoso extolled the virtues of the late Agom of Adara, describing him as a committed, faithful and dedicated Catholic, an exemplary ruler and leader.