Easter: Anglican Bishop Urges Nigerians to Embrace Forgiveness for Peace, Unity

Our Reporter 

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Nike, Enugu State, Rt. Rev. Christian Onyia, has called on Nigerians to embrace forgiveness as a vital tool for fostering peace, unity, and national progress.

Delivering his Easter message on Saturday in Enugu, the cleric stressed the need for unconditional forgiveness, drawing inspiration from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which he said reconciled humanity to God.

Speaking on the theme, “The Forgiven Must Be Forgiving,” Onyia described forgiveness as a moral, spiritual, and civic responsibility necessary for national renewal.

According to him, Easter goes beyond a historical commemoration and represents a living message of hope, reconciliation, and societal transformation.

“As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Easter, we are reminded that forgiveness is not optional,” the bishop said. 

“Christ’s triumph over death calls us to rise above bitterness, resentment, and division, embodying His compassion in our families, communities, and nation.”

He noted that forgiveness remains essential in a country grappling with poverty, violence, mistrust, and lingering grievances, adding that it plays a crucial role in breaking cycles of retaliation and restoring dignity.

“Forgiveness interrupts cycles of retaliation, opens pathways to dialogue, and enables reconciliation. It is moral courage, not weakness,” he stated.

The bishop further emphasised that forgiveness must begin at the grassroots level, urging individuals to promote reconciliation in their homes, workplaces, and communities, while upholding ethical conduct.

Highlighting the global impact of unforgiveness, Onyia observed that violent conflicts continue to affect more than 78 countries, driven largely by unresolved grievances and revenge-based politics.

He maintained that when combined with justice, accountability, and institutional reforms, forgiveness could help rebuild trust and strengthen social cohesion.

The cleric also called on religious bodies, traditional institutions, civil society, and government to lead by example through mediation, advocacy, trauma healing, and ethical leadership.

“Nigeria’s future will not be secured by weapons, policies, or elections alone, but when a forgiven people become a forgiving people,” he said.

Onyia urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the resurrection of Christ to rebuild the nation on the foundations of truth, justice, and love.