The Bishop of Orlu Most Rev. Augustine Tochukwu Ukwuoma, alongside the Auxiliary Bishop, Most. Rev. Thomas I. Obiatuegwu convened the priests of the diocese at the Pope Benedict XVI Hall of the Diocesan Secretariat to discuss some domestic issues. Therein, the newly ordained priests were welcomed to the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA) – Orlu Chapter; and reminded that only the best is good enough for Orlu Diocese. Also, key issues contained in the Communiqué of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), “Working Together for Upholding Human Dignity in Our Nation” were discussed.
1. Human Dignity and Abuse
It was noted that the subject of human dignity and the abuse thereof has been extensively discussed within the Diocese of Orlu on previous occasions. The gathering therefore reaffirmed the diocese’s existing commitment to safeguarding and to the protection of the dignity of every human person, in line with the Conference’s position.
2. The Use of Artificial Intelligence
On the question of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Bishop encouraged all priests to channel the use of AI purposefully towards the propagation of the Gospel, employing it as a tool for evangelization rather than allowing it to remain neutral or be put to purposes contrary to the mission of the Church.
3. The Growing Trend of Neo-Paganism
The meeting observed that the trend of neo-paganism has been growing in all parts of the country. In response, the Bishop of Orlu called on priests to intensify proper catechesis as a means of combating this trend, and to complement this with the teaching of Catholic Doctrine in schools, as directed by the Department of Religious Education.
4. State of the Nation, the Foreign Aid Bill 2026, and the 2027 General Elections
Regarding the state of the nation, the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill 2026, and the forthcoming 2027 General Elections, it was agreed that the Church should not be aloof to what is happening around it, but should make positive impacts towards the realization of a better nation.