The 65th Annual Ministers Conference of the Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna, North West Nigeria, has appealed to the United States Senate not to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violation of religious freedom.
The Conference notes that while it acknowledges that Christians in Nigeria face persecution, not only through killings but also through various forms of discrimination based on faith, it appeals to foreign governments and international bodies not to place Nigeria on the CPC list.
The Conference in a communique, argued that labelling Nigeria as a CPC could inadvertently escalate violence that could result in limiting access to military assistance against combating terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
The 10-point communique which was signed by Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman Board of Governors and Rev. Dr. Mannaseh Panpe Ag. President of the Seminary acknowledged the efforts of both the Federal and Kaduna State governments in national unity and security Coordination.
The Conference among others frowned at silence by church leaders over the prevailing moral decay and injustice, apathy towards electoral process and financial burdensome wedding and burial practices.
HERE UNDER IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE COMMUNIQUE
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 65TH ANNUAL MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE OF THE BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY KADUNA OF THE NIGERIA BAPTIST CONVENTION.
Held at the Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna | 6th – 10th October, 2025.
The 65th Annual Ministers’ Conference of the Baptist Theological Seminary Kaduna of the Nigeria Baptist Convention for Her Pastors in Northern Nigeria was held at the Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna, under the theme “The Authority of Scripture and the Mission of the Church in Troubled Times.”
The Conference brought together pastors, theological scholars, and church leaders from across the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), representing a community of about four million Baptist members across the Northern States,over 4,000 pastors, and more than 5,000 local churches. After a week of prayers, reflection, and deliberations on spiritual and national matters, the following communiqué was issued:
1. The Conference reaffirmed the absolute authority of the Holy Scriptures as the inspired Word of God and the final guide for faith, morality, and conduct. Delegates emphasized that obedience to God’s Word remains the only path to spiritual renewal, moral reformation, and lasting national peace.
2. The Conference resolved that the Church must not only preach salvation but also exemplify honesty, humility, and compassion in leadership. It charged pastors to build congregations that live out biblical values, confronting corruption and social decay through integrity and service.
3. The Conference cautioned against elaborate and financially burdensome wedding and burial practices that discourage intending couples and families under the guise of culture. It stressed that the Holy Scriptures remain superior to societal norms and urged the Church to model moderation, contentment, and godly marriages that honor Christ.
4. The Conference lamented the growing silence of some church leaders in the face of moral decay and injustice. It warned that such silence undermines the Church’s moral authority and called on ministers to speak truth to power with wisdom and courage. The Church, it resolved, must remain the conscience of the nation and a voice for the voiceless.
5. The Board of Governors of the Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening theological education and leadership development. The Conference commended the Seminary’s ongoing reforms, expressed gratitude to its management for hosting a spiritually enriching event, and announced plans to appoint a substantive President soon. Delegates lauded the Seminary’s partnership with Bethel High School as a model of vision-driven Christian education.
6. The Conference expressed concern over the apathy of many Christians toward the electoral process. Pastors were tasked to mobilize members to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Delegates emphasized that political participation is both a civic and moral duty that enables believers to promote righteousness in governance.
7. The Conference acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State in improving national unity and security coordination. While noting visible progress, it urged governments at all levels to sustain reforms, strengthen local peacebuilding initiatives, and prioritize justice and welfare for victims of violence.
8. Delegates noted with concern the move by the United States Senate to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom. While the Conference acknowledged that Christians in Nigeria face persecution, not only through killings but also through various forms of discrimination based on faith, it appealed to foreign governments and international bodies not to place Nigeria on the CPC list, emphasizing that such a designation would not resolve the underlying issues of insecurity and religious tension.
9. Delegates further cautioned that lableling Nigeria as a CPC could inadvertently escalate violence, as such action may limit access to military assistance and legitimate security equipment, thereby weakening the nation’s ability to combat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes. The Conference therefore urged foreign partners to adopt other constructive and collaborative measures to support Nigeria in addressing its security and religious freedom challenges.
10. The Conference decried the persistent hardship confronting Nigerians, noting that banditry, insurgency, and unemployment have disrupted livelihoods and weakened community bonds. It called on the government to lead with the fear of God, formulate people-centered economic policies, and prioritize human welfare above political interests.
Signed:
Rev. Joseph John Hayab
Chairman, Board of Governors,
Baptist Theological Seminary, Kaduna
Rev. Dr Mannaseh Panpe
Acting President of the Seminary.
Date: October 10, 2025
