19 Nov 2025

The Need for the Church to Move from the Pulpit to the People Upon my return from overseas yesterday, I attended the Fourth Enugu Diocesan Synod, where I spoke on “The Role of the Church in Youth Empowerment and Community Development.” I emphasised that the Church needs to move from pulpit to people by taking a more practical role in rebuilding societal values, empowering our youths, and strengthening community structures. Our nation cannot progress when moral decay and a declining sense of responsibility continue to spread unchecked. Nigeria is confronted with alarming levels of valuelessness, moral decay, rising rascality, and a diminishing sense of responsibility. These challenges persist not because we lack knowledge, but because we have allowed our values to collapse. In today’s society, shortcuts are celebrated, dishonesty is rewarded, and integrity is sidelined. Even among the highly educated, including professors, the erosion of ethical standards is increasingly evident. This is where the Church must reclaim its mission. As the moral compass of society, it must lead the urgent task of rebuilding values. Through deliberate and practical initiatives—skills training, youth mentorship, sustainable community projects, and consistent engagement—the Church can transform faith into opportunities that uplift communities. Such efforts will help young people rediscover discipline, hard work, and the understanding that character, not corruption, is the true foundation for progress. I reminded the Synod that Nigeria’s problems do not stem from ignorance, but from our persistent refusal to embrace the right values and development-driven practices. If we are to build a nation where integrity is rewarded and responsibility is cherished, the Church and other serious religious groups must take the lead in shaping ethical behaviour and strengthening societal character. By moving from the pulpit to the people, the Church can inspire a new generation and play a decisive role in Nigeria’s values, morals, and social renewal. -PO