CATHOLIC CHURCH LAUDS AREGBESOLA OVER RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE

The Catholic Church on Wednesday described Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun as a major pillar of support of the church and debunked the insinuation that the governor was attempting to Islamise the state.

 The representatives of the Pope and Ambassador of the Vatican, Most Reverend Augustine Kashuja said this in Osogbo, capital of Osun State shortly after a meeting with Aregbesola alongside other Bishops of the church as part of activities lined up for the ordination of a new Bishop for the Osogbo Dioceses of the Catholic Church.

 According to him, whenever things wants to go awry, the Church always dialogue with government rather than make noise or stoke fire of crisis.

 Kashuja said: "Mr. Governor, I am delighted for your exceptional and warm reception. You are a great supporter of the church. You are friendly and cordial with the Church.

 "There has not been any face-off since you resumed office because we engage in dialogue a lot. When things go wrong, we dialogue. We don't make noise. And I assure you that we shall continue to dialogue.

 "We have no room for violence: we could dialogue for years. When some people raise dust of crisis, we keep quiet and dialogue.

 "Your posture has assured me that the process of dialogue in religious matters that was started by the Church will continue for the purpose of progress and development of humanity."

 While speaking, Aregbesola lamented that he sometimes get disturbed when people fight or kill in the name of religion, saying no religion preaches violence.

 "Your visit today will send signal to the whole world that this government has no ill-feeling against any sect or religion. In fact, religion is an instrument of developing capacity for love; instrument of refinement of human being and an instrument testing our will to resist provocation.

 "If religion fails, we must ask the adherent of that faith if they are practising religion. All religions make love a central theme of their faith. The cardinal focus of all religions is love.

 "Difference only occurs or exists in the methodology of attaining Godhead. But as to how we must express our behaviours in faith in relation to others and colleagues, there is no difference as to the need for love and compassion.

 Aregbesola pledged his administration's support to the Catholic and entire Church, promising that government will continue to work with leadership of the church.