Fr Alia, the seduction of power, and the Catholic duty to pray

In an opinion piece, Chris Agbedo responds to Valentine Obienyem's article 'Fr. Alia and the Seduction of Power,' expressing concern and sadness. Agbedo acknowledges that the conduct attributed to Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State, raises questions deserving scrutiny, but criticizes Obienyem's passionate condemnation as crossing a line that a Catholic should approach with caution. Agbedo defends the Catholic principle that an erring priest must be corrected without being humiliated, held accountable without being dehumanized, and prayed for rather than publicly abandoned. He emphasizes that this distinction goes to the heart of Catholic understanding of sin, priesthood, grace, and redemption.

Read More