September 13, (THEWILL) – The Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Makurdi Diocese, has condemned the wrong use of clerical robes by the students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State.
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 a material.
“That is why the Nigerian Film industry censors all films before they are released for public consumption. If the Film Industry meticulously censors all works to remove negative intents before use, it becomes very condemnable for a University that should ordinarily be a citadel of learning to allow its students to engage in negative vices and release an uncensored product to the public.”
In a statement on Friday, Chairman of 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 peoples’ 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 point to the fact that the students had desired to use their costume 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 the her knees.
“This action is seen by the Association of Media Professionals of different medium consisting of local, national and international standard 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 notes that while it is a free world, “your freedom ends where another person’s own 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.”
The Association agreed that as communication Scholars and practitioners, the law of indecency and obscenity is not universal, but it is good to note that good character upbringing should teach one never to go beyond the acceptable limits in whatever circumstance.
It, therefore, advised the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, to call its students to order and immediately put a halt to what they have started to serve as deterrent to others who might be tempted to do same with anyone else’s beliefs.
The statement pointed out that except if JOSUM is telling the world that it has changed the general requirement for award of Degrees based on character and learning but Character assassination, it can allow the sustenance of such derogatory act.
