By Philip Tumba
In an awe-inspiring display of faith that shatters religious barriers, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of Nigeria’s Catholic Diocese of Yola has emerged as a global symbol of unity and compassion.
For demonstration
At the height of the ruthless Boko Haram insurgency in 2014, when Adamawa State was plunged into chaos, towns like Michika, Madagali, Mubi, Gombi, and Hong fell to the insurgents between September and November, driving tens of thousands—Christians and Muslims alike—into desperate flight for their lives.
Amid this darkness, the Catholic Cathedral in Yola transformed into a sacred sanctuary, its doors flung wide open to embrace displaced persons of all faiths in a breathtaking act of humanity.
While a church stood tall for Christian worshippers, the Muslim faithful lacked a place to pray
Under Bishop Mamza’s visionary leadership, the church, school, and clinic on the estate became lifelines for the suffering masses.
Yet, the Bishop’s keen eye spotted a critical void: while a church stood tall for Christian worshippers, the Muslim faithful lacked a place to pray.
With unwavering resolve, he declared, “I saw that while we had built a church for Christians, our Muslim brothers and sisters had no mosque.
It was only fair. So I decided to build one, using funds from the Diocese of Yola
“Some were even from the same families. It was only fair. So I decided to build one, using funds from the Diocese of Yola.” This bold decision ignited a movement of love that would redefine interfaith relations in Nigeria.
The move, however, was not without its storms. Controversy erupted as some Christians deemed it inappropriate, while astonishingly, some Muslims voiced objections, arguing a Christian should not construct a mosque.
“That hurt more than the criticism from Christians,” Bishop Mamza recalled with a heavy heart. Yet, undeterred, he stood firm, his voice resonating with conviction: “I did it from the bottom of my heart, for peace, for unity, and for the victims of insurgency who just needed a place to worship.”
I look forward to the day a Muslim will build a church for Christians
Today, that mosque stands as a triumphant monument of hope and interfaith solidarity, a testament to the power of compassion to rise above religious divides.
Looking to the future with unshakeable optimism, Bishop Mamza shared his heartfelt vision: “I look forward to the day a Muslim will build a church for Christians.
That will truly show we’ve embraced peaceful coexistence.” His commitment burns brighter than ever, as he passionately declared, “My commitment to interreligious dialogue is unwavering. I believe in the power of peace, the hope of unity, and the healing role the Church can play in Nigeria.”
This is not just a statement—it’s a clarion call for a transformed Nigeria, where love and understanding reign supreme!
Bishop Mamza’s extraordinary leadership has turned faith into action, proving that true religion knows no walls.
This is the Nigeria we all dream of—a land where hearts unite, where compassion conquers conflict, and where leaders like Bishop Mamza light the way forward! His legacy of love continues to inspire, urging us all to build bridges where others see barriers. This is faith in action. This is leadership with love. This is the dawn of a new era.
