News Release

Interfaith Christmas Carol 2016

Choirs from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nigeria, joined with choirs from other churches for the annual Interfaith Christmas Concerts to present Christmas music in English, as well as other African dialects from across the country.

 

Lagos, Nigeria

More than one thousand people from five different churches attended the 2016 Interfaith Christmas Carol at the Opebi Latter-day Saint Chapel in Ikeja. Choirs from the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Celestial Church of Christ, Christ Apostolic Church, Eternal Sacred order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, and from Redeem Christian Church of God merged with choirs from several Mormon congregations to delight the audience. Pastor M. A. Omotayo of the Christ Apostolic Church opened the event with an opening prayer.

The choirs from the various churches sang traditional English carols “Oh, Holy Night” and Still, Still, Still”. In addition, the African Christmas song, “Sosong Obong Ye Abasi” and others were presented, much to the delight of the guests who danced and joined in singing the choruses.

Adeola Olurebi of the Methodist Church, Evangelist Tunde Fadeji and Assistant Leader Seyi Akinlabi of Celestial Church of Christ enjoyed each moment of the event. “I am so blessed to be part of this great event…It has been a great opportunity to be among the Latter-day Saints.” said Evangelist Fadeji.

Mrs. Obrabeye Ayankunbi, a member of Redeemed Christian Church, said “We are all Christians who have come from different faiths, yet we share one common belief which is Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.” She added, “This season of Christ’s birth, I have come to know that it is my duty to get to know other people and not judge the book by its cover.”

Also in attendance were Adegbenro Adekunle, President of Ikeja Stake; Raymond Oraegbu, President of Yaba Stake; Christian Chigbundu, President of Agege Stake; and David Amajali, President of Festac Stake.

Benin City, Nigeria

In Benin, Edo, members of the Church enjoyed the first Benin Interfaith Musical Festival as the choirs from the 6 stakes (congregations) in Benin City performed a variety of Christmas carols to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Elder Adeyinka Ojediran, a leader from the Church, encouraged the members to remember the real meaning of the season. He said, “Let us try to reflect our love for the Savior by rendering acts of service to our fellow beings.” It was a wonderful evening, as members and friends came together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Aba, Nigeria

The 2016 Interfaith Christmas Carol marked three years of celebration in Aba. The event celebrates the Savior’s birth, and has been seen by interfaith leaders as a pathway to establish understanding, harmony and friendship among various faiths. The event was held at the Aba Nigeria Temple Complex Grounds.

Performing at the event were the Youth Fellowship Choir of The Apostolic Christian Church Mission, The Aba Multi-Stakes Choir of The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints and the Angelic Voices Choir of The Eternal Order of Cherubim and Seraphim. Kalu Gerald Kalu, Guest Saxophonist from Blessed Tansi Catholic Chapel also performed.

“This has been a good occasion for all Christians to come together and worship God. We will attend as many times as we are invited,” said Rev. Henry Onyebuenyi, of Orthodox Anglican Communion.

Kingsley Ahukanna, Choir Master of The Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim, said, “This event opened our eyes to many good things. Most of us used to think that your Church was a secret society. We also thought that your Book of Mormon was an evil book. We now know better. Our members are happy with you and will like to come again. We will start to package a drama piece that will suit the occasion for next year if you will permit us. Our regards to the leadership of your Church and the members.”

The Bishop of Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Aba-Ngwa North, The Rt. Rev. Nathan C. O. Kanu Ph. D., JP, delivered his “2016 ADVENT MESSAGE.” He was represented by Rev. Samuel Unogu.

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