The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has expressed strong disapproval over the recent use of Catholic clerical robes by students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, also known as the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, during a drama performance that formed part of their graduation celebrations. The incident, which saw students donning Catholic regalia, sparked controversy after images of the performance circulated on social media.
In response, the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN) in the Makurdi Diocese issued a statement condemning the act. Comrade Hembadoon Orsar, Chairman of the association, described the students' actions as an "attack on the Catholic Church" and a "mockery of the people’s faith."
"This action shows gross disrespect to the Catholic Faith and everything it holds dear," Orsar said in the statement. "It is a mockery of our revered Reverend Sisters, who are perpetually decent and modest in their dressing, covered for the sake of glorifying God."
Orsar emphasized that while costumes in drama can be used to depict various roles, they should faithfully represent the essence of the original characters. In the case of Catholic nuns, the regalia worn by the students failed to reflect the modesty associated with the Church, particularly since no nun in the Catholic Church wears a dress above the knees.
The statement further criticized the university for allowing such an event to take place, stating that the leadership had failed in its duty to teach students the sensitivity and consequences of religious matters. "It is disheartening that the university leadership seems to have neglected its responsibility, leading to this brazen act of disrespect toward the Catholic Church," Orsar added.
CAMPAN stressed the importance of maintaining boundaries when it comes to religious symbols, noting that while individuals have freedom of expression, that freedom ends where another’s begins. They called for greater respect toward religious institutions, warning that crossing this line could lead to unintended consequences.
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