At least 500 Muslims attended a Christmas church service in Kaduna as part of efforts to promote peace and unity between worshipers of the two faiths (Christianity and Islam).
While receiving the congregation at his church on Saturday, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Ministry and Life Advocacy, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna on Saturday, Pastor Yohanna Buru expressed his satisfaction at the large number of Muslims in his church.
He said despite the insecurity issues plaguing the country due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant of Covid-19
and the high cost of transportation, hundreds of Muslim worshippers, including women, youth and children, attended the Christmas morning service at his church this year.
According to the pastor, it was a clear demonstration that what they have been preaching (religious tolerance) for years is slowly sinking into people’s hearts.
He noted that the visit of around 500 Muslims to his church would undoubtedly enhance good relations, better understanding, love and religious tolerance between followers of the two religions.
According to him, for the past ten years he has received Muslims in his church during the Christmas service, saying that this year the turnout was so impressive that around 500 Muslims attended.
“Over 500 Muslims from Kaduna, Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Abuja States joined us at today’s Christmas service to promote peace and unity.”
He added, “We counted them one by one and got 525 Muslims who participated, including Tijjani, Shia and Sunni sects.
“We must remember that we are created by one God, and we are the children of Adam and Eve, and we both have our holy scriptures (Bible and Quran) from one God which have guided us on the way to live in peace and harmony with one another.”
In response, one of the Muslim scholars, Sheikh Ahmed Rufai, said it was not the first time he had come to celebrate Christmas with his friends in the church.
He said that all Muslims around the world respect Jesus Christ and coming to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ makes him happier.
Adding that when Prophet Muhammad (Saw) is born, Pastor Buru usually comes to their mosques and celebrates the Prophet’s birth with them.
He thanked the church for the free meal and other gifts the pastor shared with all Muslims who attended the church service.
He noted that coming to church to celebrate Christmas does not make him a Christian, rather the gesture will strengthen Christian-Muslim relations for peace and unity among different faiths.
Similarly, Kurmin Mashi District Chief, Kaduna, Alhaji Rabo Abdullahi, Kurmin Mashi Sabon Layi said he was happy to see the number of young Muslims and imams who attended the Christmas service.
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