Benue: Catholic Diocese condemns use of Catholic clerical robes in drama presentation

The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi yesterday condemned the use of Catholic clerical robes by students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi aka the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi during a recent drama performance.

The students were seen wearing the Catholic regalia as part of activities to mark their graduation from the university, which sparked controversy after images circulated on social media.
The association said the use of clerical robes or any costume for purposes of drama should exactly depict the essence of the original text of such material.

In a statement, the Chairman of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria Nigeria +(CAMPAN) in the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Comrade Hembadoon Orsar, noted that “this action sadly represents an attack on the Catholic Church and a mockery of the people’s faith”.

“This action shows gross disrespect to the Catholic Faith and everything that it holds dear. It is a mockery of our revered Reverend Sisters, who are perpetually decent and model in their dressing and covered despite their outstanding physical beauty for the sake of glorifying God”.

The statement points to the fact that the students had desired to use their costumes in good faith, they should have done so properly to depict what they represent because, in the history of the catholic church, no Nun goes with a dress above her knees.

“This action is seen by the Association of Media Professionals of different mediums consisting of local, national and international standards within the diocese saddled with the responsibility of communicating Christ in their reportage and protecting the image of the Church as a deliberate effort to insult the Catholic Church”, she stated.

It noted that while it is a free world, “your freedom ends where another person’s starts, thereby creating a thin line between yours and that of another. One must be careful not to cross the line. It is disheartening that the university leadership seem to have failed in its responsibility to teach its students the fragility and consequences that accompany issues of religion which has led to brazen disrespect with the Catholic Church as its first victim.”