Christian and Islamic clerics in Plateau State have been urged to reflect on the impacts of their sermons on their followers and ensure that their messages encourage mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as military actions alone would not restore lasting peace in the State.
In a keynote address, Maj-Gen AE Abubakar, decried the artificial barriers incitive sermons from religious leaders are creating among communities, which raise tension and intolerance amongst religious groups and called on erring clerics to turn a new leaf and use their enormous influences in fostering community peace.
The Deputy Chief Imam of the Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Ghazali Adam and the Director of Studies, St. Augustine Major Seminary, Jos, Rev.
“A Preacher should, therefore, develop necessary skills that help him carry out his work in all circumstances and try to maintain a purely practical approach with beautiful communication and preaching style. This kind of approach will help Preacher become more acceptable to people.