INTRODUCTION:

Ethnic prejudice and discrimination are still prevalent in Nigeria and in most parts of Africa, despite the continued growth of Christianity and the progress that has been made in modern education and statehood. Instead of decreasing, the ill has found its way into the Church. Sometimes the local Church leaders are the worst culprits in spreading ethnic prejudices and intolerance. The persistence of this situation among Catholics is unacceptable, since by its name, which means “universal”, the Catholic Church cannot allow itself to be tied down, in its mission, to ethnic or parochial sentiments. The need to address the challenge couldn't be more urgent. The pontificate of Pope Francis provides the ideal context. The constant call of the Holy Father to go outside ourselves and to reach out to others, especially to the marginalized and frequent victims of prejudices and discrimination, is an invitation to return to the roots of the Catholic identity of the Church, its catholicity. It is a call to renew our faith; a call to true reconciliation with God, with ourselves and our neighbours, in line with the spirit of the second special assembly on Africa of the Synod of Bishops: “You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world” (Mt 5:13-14)

The foundation of the Marian Missionaries Ad Regnum Dei wishes to respond to this call. The response is aimed primarily at a problem and a need that are present in the Nigerian local Church as well as in Africa. However, it is not difficult to see its universal relevance and possible outreach regarding the v persistence of racial prejudice and discrimination in various parts of the world. Read more...

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