Christian Association of Nigeria

Christian Association of Nigeria
source
Name	Christian Association of Nigeria
Abbreviation	CAN
Formation	1976
Headquarters	Abuja
Region served	Nigeria
Leader title	President

Christian Association of Nigeria The Christian Association of Nigeria is an umbrella body that brings together diverse Christianity institutions and denominations across Nigeria. It functions as a forum for coordination among major Protestant, Catholic, and Anglican bodies and interacts with national actors such as the Nigerian Constitution, regional assemblies like the National Assembly, and international partners including the World Council of Churches, Pope, and Vatican City. CAN has played roles in national debates alongside figures and institutions such as Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Muhammadu Buhari, Abuja, and state-level assemblies.

History

The association was formed in 1976 in the context of post‑colonial religious realignments following events in the 1970s involving actors such as the Nigerian Civil War, the Second Republic (Nigeria), and religious networks linked to mission societies like the Church Mission Society, Roman Catholic Mission, and Methodist Missionary Society. Early constituencies included bodies related to Anglican Church of Nigeria, the Methodist Church Nigeria, and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria. CAN’s evolution intersected with political administrations such as those of Shehu Shagari and Sani Abacha, and with social movements like the Nigerian Student Movement and faith-based responses to crises involving groups such as Boko Haram and Niger Delta militants. Over decades CAN engaged with policy debates around issues raised by the Sharia conflict in Nigeria, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and national security challenges involving the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Structure and Membership

CAN is organized as a federation of constituent bodies representing major communions: the Christian Council of Nigeria, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Organization of African Instituted Churches, the Assemblies of God Nigeria, and the ECWA (Evangelical Church Winning All), among others. Regional composition reflects Nigeria’s federal structure with representation from states like Lagos State, Kano State, Rivers State, and Katsina State. Member organizations include denominational bodies such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Foursquare Gospel Church, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and mission-linked networks like United Missionary Church. CAN interacts with interfaith forums including the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and national institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Leadership and Presidents

CAN’s presidents have included prominent clerical figures who engaged with national leaders like Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Goodluck Jonathan. Notable presidents have come from bodies such as the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, the Anglican Province of Nigeria, and Pentecostal networks like the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. Leadership selection involves representatives from constituent councils including the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Methodist Church Nigeria, and historic denominations such as the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. Presidents frequently meet heads of state, ministers such as the Minister of Interior (Nigeria), and regional governors from states like Enugu State and Adamawa State.

Activities and Initiatives

CAN conducts ecumenical initiatives, humanitarian responses, and advocacy campaigns in collaboration with organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations, and faith-based NGOs such as Caritas Internationalis and World Vision. Activities include organizing national prayer events in venues like Millennium Park, Abuja, coordinating relief for victims of insurgency in regions such as Borno State and Yobe State, and engaging in dialogues with institutions like the Supreme Court of Nigeria and the National Human Rights Commission (Nigeria). CAN has launched educational programs involving seminaries like Trinity Theological College, Umuahia and theological partnerships with universities including University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Political and Social Influence

The association has been influential in national policy debates, interfacing with presidents such as Muhammadu Buhari, lawmakers in the National Assembly (Nigeria), and electoral processes overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission. CAN has issued public positions on legislation touching religious practice, collaborated with state governors in Kogi State and Benue State on communal matters, and engaged international actors including the United States Department of State on religious freedom. Its role in mediating conflicts has involved coordination with security institutions like the Nigeria Police Force and engagement with civil society coalitions such as the Campaign for Democracy.

Criticisms and Controversies

CAN has faced criticism from groups including some Nigerian Pentecostalism actors, secular activists, and rival faith organizations like factions within the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council over perceived partisanship during elections involving figures such as Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari. Controversies have involved debates over statements on the Sharia conflict in Nigeria, responses to insurgency by Boko Haram, and internal disputes among constituent bodies including disputes resembling those in the Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church in Nigeria. Critics have also cited tensions with human rights organizations such as Amnesty International regarding approaches to communal violence and policy advocacy.

Category:Christian organizations based in Nigeria Category:Religious organizations established in 1976 Category:Christian ecumenical organizations