Catholic Bishops to Discuss Kidnappings, Others at Imo Conference

Issues bordering on insecurity especially of its priests across Nigeria will form part of the issues to be raised at the second 2022 plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) opening on Thursday.
According to Fr. Mike Umoh, Director of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the plenary holds from September 8 to 16, at the Catholic Diocese of Orlu in Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Imo.
Priests of the Catholic Church have come under series of attacks in recent times with cases of huge ransom paid to secure the release of some of them.
Umoh said that the Bishops would use the opportunity to deliberate on national issues.
“It will be a week-long period of prayer, sharing, deep reflections and deliberations on issues concerning the Church and the society,” he added.
He said that the Bishops would meet with the Diocesan Priests Association and also hold an interactive session with some Catholics of Owerri Province.
Umoh said the opening Mass will be presided by the CBCN President and Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius-Iwejuru Ugorji while the homily will be taken by the Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma.
He said that a communique would be issued at the end of the conference.
The Church has been known for its critical assessment of issues of the economy, security, politics and others.
The Nigerian space has in recent times been dominated by topics around the worsening state of the economy, insecurity, ritual killings, corruption and others.
The build up to the 2023 general elections may also present the Bishops with issues to be raised.
Issues of same faith ticket have been on the front burner in the country.