The Catholic Church has criticized priests for setting up ‘private ministries’, stating that these practices conflict with the church’s guidelines and foster disunity.
In a statement issued on Friday following the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) meeting from August 22 to 30 in Auchi Diocese, Edo State, the church expressed deep concern over the rise of these private ministries.
The church highlighted that such ministries often involve unorthodox practices, leading to scandal and undermining the unity of the church. “The proliferation of these private ‘ministries’ by some priests and laypeople is troubling,” the statement read. “These ministries frequently engage in practices that deviate from orthodox teachings, causing division among the faithful.”
The CBCN emphasized that priests engaged in these ventures often become distracted from their core responsibilities as spiritual leaders. “Moreover, many priests involved in this trend lose focus on their primary pastoral duties,” it added.
The church reaffirmed its stance that any ministry work should be conducted under the guidance of church authorities. It also cautioned the faithful against individuals who claim to be Catholics but operate outside of official church authority and misuse the church’s name.
“We remind everyone—priests, religious, and lay faithful alike—that charisms are meant to build up the body of Christ, not for personal or self-serving glorification (cf. I Corinthians 12: 7-18).”
The CBCN called on those wishing to use their talents for the church to do so in accordance with established rules and under proper authority, to ensure alignment with the church’s mission and unity.
