NSCEA Urges Unity, Defends Constitutional Integrity of CAN

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has reaffirmed the unity and constitutional integrity of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), following recent media reports suggesting a possible breakaway within the Christian umbrella body.
In a press release issued by the Secretary-General of the Elders’ Council, Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, the council said it had closely monitored media publications and commentaries regarding alleged divisions within CAN and deemed it necessary to clarify the situation in the interest of unity and responsible public discourse.
The council noted that CAN remains the major constitutionally recognised umbrella body representing Christian denominations across Nigeria since its establishment in 1976. It also stated that the NSCEA itself was constitutionally registered in 2001.
Addressing reports about the revival of historical identities such as the Northern Christian Association (NCA), the council explained that regional administrative coordination does not automatically amount to secession from the national structure of CAN.
According to the statement, regional Christian associations existed before CAN was created, but the umbrella body was formed to unify diverse Christian groups into one national voice for advocacy, dialogue, and engagement with government and civil society.
The NSCEA also urged media organisations to exercise caution and accuracy when reporting issues related to religious institutions, warning that sensational headlines or speculative interpretations could create unnecessary tension within the Christian community and the wider Nigerian society.
It stressed that religious unity remains a sensitive and strategic factor in national stability and that responsible journalism should prioritise verified facts over conjecture.
The council further appealed to Christian leaders across the country to prioritise dialogue, constitutional order, and collective advocacy rather than division.
“At a time when the nation faces insecurity, economic hardship, and interfaith sensitivities, the Christian community must model dialogue over division and reconciliation over fragmentation,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to unity within the Christian body in Nigeria, the NSCEA encouraged continued engagement through recognised institutional structures to preserve the integrity and collective strength of the Christian faith in the country.