A Catholic priest in Imo State has sparked debate after telling masquerades who visited his parish during a village festival to continue attending church, saying tradition should not be denied.
While many praised his inclusive approach, others argued that Christianity and traditional practices should remain separate.
A Catholic priest has gone viral after welcoming a group of masquerades who visited his parish during a village festival in Imo State, urging them not to abandon their Christian faith despite participating in cultural traditions.
Addressing the masquerades, the priest said, “This is our tradition, and we can’t deny it. As you all gather here for the village festival, also make time to attend church on Sundays.”
The moment, which was captured on video, has since sparked conversations on social media, with many Nigerians praising the priest’s approach to balancing culture and religion, while others argued that Christianity and traditional practices should not be mixed.
Reactions
@Zayn11milli: “My type men of God👍🏽 They understand both the white man religion and traditional religion can co-exist. Neither is better than the other, all na just social construct.”
@okereke_ob433: “St Kevin’s Catholic Church OGBAKU!”
@igwedip: “Christianity doesn’t align with this.”
@boss_profi48991: “This is what we call inculturation.”
@Chocolatechomzy: “Yes, tradition and culture have been here before Christianity was introduced.”
@edoboyehi: “All I see here is emotional intelligence, he don’t chase them away, he associated with them, then he invited them to church on Sunday. Repentance is a gradual process. I love his strategie.”
@fon4gud: “This priest understand culture well. Tradition and church no need to fight each other. Respect.”
@NappyBozz: “Look at the motto on the signboard. Love, knowledge and truth.”
@WinnerIgwe4: “Confused human beings. Choose one or the other Una say No 😂.”
@NgwuChigozie5: “Our people are behaving strangely, that I could not recognize dem anymore. It is such a pity.”
@tALLeazy_: “The Priest understands culture and it’s good.”
@Olanrewaju70185: “That’s a wise pastor right there. That’s evangelism not those ones wey go dey share hell fire for everybody.”