CONFERENCE: CAN Taraba Ministers’ Conference Opens in Jalingo, Calls for Stronger Church-State Partnership.

By Jako Keke, August 21, 2026.

A three-day Ministers’ Conference organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Taraba State Chapter, has commenced in Jalingo with a call for stronger collaboration, dialogue and mutual understanding between the Church and government.

The conference, being held at the CAN Secretariat in Jalingo, has attracted Christian leaders, clergy, government officials, politicians, traditional rulers, security chiefs and other stakeholders from the 16 Local Government Areas and the two Special Development Areas of the state.

Themed “The Church and the State: Partners in God’s Plan in a Changing World,” the conference is aimed at promoting fellowship, spiritual renewal, capacity building and constructive engagement between the Church and the State in the interest of peace and development.

Declaring the conference open, the Chairman of CAN, Taraba State Chapter, Very Rev. Fr. William Awoshiri Peters, stressed the need for Christians to strengthen their relationship with government while maintaining the Church’s independence and prophetic responsibility.

He noted that the Church and the State have distinct responsibilities, explaining that the Church is entrusted with proclaiming the gospel, providing moral and spiritual guidance, defending human dignity, promoting peace, caring for vulnerable people and speaking for the voiceless.

According to him, government, on the other hand, has the responsibility to protect citizens, uphold justice, provide essential services, create opportunities and maintain peace and security.

The CAN chairman emphasised that the Church must remain free to “speak to power”, just as political leaders should be willing to listen to responsible counsel and constructive criticism.

He also challenged Christian political leaders to demonstrate the influence of their faith in leadership and public service through justice, compassion, accountability and integrity.

Awoshiri Peters warned that political office should not be viewed merely as a reward or avenue for personal advancement, but as an opportunity to serve the people and promote the common good.

He acknowledged that Christians belong to different political parties and may hold divergent political views, describing such differences as part of democratic life. However, he cautioned that political differences should never become so deep that Christians forget their shared identity as brothers and sisters in Christ.

In his overview of the conference, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religion Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, said the gathering was designed to strengthen reconciliation, understanding and partnership between Christendom and government.

Quoting Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity,” Muke said unity, mutual understanding and responsible partnership were essential to building a peaceful and prosperous society.

He said the conference brought together present and past governors, Christian politicians, commissioners, traditional leaders, local government chairmen, state lawmakers, permanent secretaries, heads of security agencies and other government representatives, alongside clergy from the five blocs of CAN, denominational heads, church founders and the women and youth wings of the association.

Muke disclosed that the conference would feature presentations on “The Church and the State: Restoring God’s Vision,” “Practical Strategies for Sustainability in a Changing World,” “The Early Church Model for Today’s Leadership,” and “The Role of Christian Politicians to the State.”

The presentations are expected to examine governance, responsible leadership, sustainability in ministry, servant leadership, accountability and the role of Christian principles in public service.

According to Muke, the conference will also feature an exhortation by former CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, alongside prayers, ministrations and prophetic declarations for the Church, Taraba State and Nigeria.

A major highlight of the event is the launching of the proposed construction of a new Christian Centre in Taraba State, which is expected to include a 5,000-seat auditorium.

Muke said the proposed centre was conceived not merely as an auditorium but as a facility for worship, fellowship, conferences, leadership development and other Christian activities, serving present and future generations.

He called on the Church, government, Christian leaders and other stakeholders to support the project as a shared vision for strengthening Christian fellowship and activities in the state.

The conference organisers said its central message is that although the Church and State have distinct responsibilities, both can work together through mutual respect, dialogue and responsible engagement to promote peace, unity, progress and the wellbeing of society.

The organisers expressed hope that the conference would produce renewed commitment to reconciliation, responsible leadership and constructive Church-State relations, while contributing to the peace and sustainable development of Taraba State and Nigeria.