World’s Peace Day: It’s time for religious leaders to preach peace from their pulpits-Archbishop Panti

The Message of Most Rev Musa Panti Filibus PhD, the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria’s (LCCN) and President Lutheran World Federation Archbishop on this year’s World Peace day stressed the need for Religious leaders to constantly preach the message of peace on their pulpits.

“It is time to build peace, it is time to break down barriers to enduring peace. Let all those who are in authority give room for peace, let religious leaders preach peace from their pulpits, admonish people to embrace peace and demonstrate it themselves in their actions.” He said

Panti in a statement continued said that the theme of this year’s commemoration is “End racism. Build Peace,” reminds us of the evil forces of racism, xenophobia and all forms of discrimination and inequalities.

According to him these forces stand in the way of experiencing sustainable justice and peace in our world today.

“These forces must not only be confronted and rejected by all, but countered by intentional efforts in building peace based on justice and respect for the human dignity of all people.

“As the world marks this day, we must recognize that the world is constantly faced with human actions that deny fullness of life as promised by Christ in the gospel of John 10:10, which says, “the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy but I have come that you may have life in its fullness”.

“One of the thieves is racism. As the UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres says, “Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. And it continues to deny people their fundamental human rights. It destabilizes societies, undermines democracies, erodes the legitimacy of governments…”

“Without peace religious practices cannot be performed and democracy becomes a mere slogan. It is our duty to work toward “a world where compassion and empathy overcomes suspicion and hatred.”

“Let us be reminded that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9. May there be peace in homes, peace in nations and peace in troubled hearts. Amen.” Panti added