Department of Church and Society, CSN

The 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Department of Church and Society of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) kicked off on November 19th, 2024. This significant gathering of diocesan directors and coordinators from across the country aims to promote Catholic Social Teaching (CST) as a catalyst for positive change in Nigeria.

A Call to Action

The event, themed “Promoting Catholic Social Teaching as a Vehicle for Socio-economic and Political Reorientation in Nigeria,” underscores the urgent need to address the nation’s pressing social and economic challenges.

Rev. Fr. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, Director of the Department of Church and Society, emphasized the importance of actively promoting CST principles to effect positive societal change. He urged participants to become agents of transformation, working tirelessly to alleviate poverty, promote justice, and protect human rights.

The Role of the Church in Society

The Executive Secretary/CEO, speaking on behalf of the Episcopal Chairman of the department and Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, emphasized the need to tackle corruption and other social evils in his keynote presentation. He stresses the significance of CST as a cornerstone for creating a just society by urging participants to develop the bravery to confront structural injustices and to set an example in promoting accountability and transparency.

A Collaborative Approach

The meeting also featured a presentation by Mr. Akim Kikonda, Country Representative of Catholic Relief Services, who emphasized the relevance of CST in advancing socio-economic development and the importance of collaborative efforts between the Church and civil society organizations to address poverty, inequality, and governance issues.

By promoting Catholic Social Teaching and working together, the Department of Church and Society aims to contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable Nigeria.