The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Taraba State, Very Rev. Dr. Fr. Williams Awoshiri, has cautioned Christian leaders against using the pulpit to promote division, hate speech or political insults, urging restraint and wisdom in preaching.

Awoshiri gave the warning on Saturday in his New Year message to Christians and residents of the state, stressing that the pulpit should remain a place of spiritual guidance, peace and moral instruction rather than conflict or hostility.

Describing the pulpit as a sacred responsibility, he said it must be handled with spiritual maturity and a strong sense of accountability.

“The pulpit is a sacred trust, a holy platform entrusted to us to proclaim the Word of God in truth, love, wisdom and power,” Awoshiri said.

While acknowledging the Church’s role in shaping society and addressing national issues, he warned that such influence must not be exercised in ways that inflame tensions or deepen divisions. He noted that careless statements by religious leaders could aggravate existing social and political challenges if not guided by wisdom and restraint.

“The pulpit must never become a platform for personal attacks, hate speech, incitement, or reckless utterances that deepen divisions in our society,” he cautioned.

Awoshiri emphasised that the primary mission of the Church is to promote peace, moral discipline and godly values among the people.

“Our calling is to build faith, promote godly values, encourage peace and nurture moral discipline,” he said.

He reaffirmed that while the Church has a responsibility to speak on issues of governance and justice, such interventions must be responsible and constructive.

“While the Church has a prophetic role in speaking truth to power, such engagement must be constructive, prayerful and guided by wisdom and patriotism,” Awoshiri added.