CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh

National leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Monday, urged churches to raise awareness against gender-based violence and its devastating impact on families and communities.

CAN president, Daniel Okoh, gave the advice at the launch of the gender-based violence prevention project at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

Okoh also said men and women of God must not be silent when women are being brutalised in their homes and communities, adding that the church must not be indifferent when girls are denied education, dignity, or protection.

He said, “I bring you warm greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is with a profound sense of responsibility that I address you today at this important launch of the Gender-Based Violence Prevention Project—an initiative that reflects the Christian Association of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of the vulnerable in our society.

“Let me begin by commending the Ford Foundation and WEWE for their tireless work in promoting gender justice and supporting faith-based approaches to social transformation. This partnership represents what can be achieved when faith meets action and compassion is translated into advocacy and service.

“The theme for today’s event, “Christian Leaders’ Response to Violence Against Women and Girls,” could not be more timely. Across our communities, we are daily confronted with heartbreaking stories of abuse, exploitation, and violence, often perpetrated in silence. As Christian leaders, we must join forces with other humanitarian organisations that want an end to this anomaly.

“The Holy Bible commands us to defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow (Isaiah 1:17). Our Lord Jesus Christ showed special concern for the marginalised, including women and children, who were among the most vulnerable in His time. If we are to be true disciples, we must follow His example by creating safe spaces, speaking out against injustice, and taking practical steps to end the cycle of gender-based violence in our homes, churches, and communities today.

“Men and women of God must not be silent when women are being brutalised in their homes and communities. The church must not be indifferent when girls are denied education, dignity, or protection. As Christian leaders, we have the moral responsibility to protect the weak and vulnerable around us. We must use our voices, our pulpits, and our influence to break the culture of silence and shame that often surrounds gender-based violence.

“CAN’s Commitment through this project, CAN will work with churches across all blocs to: Raise awareness of gender-based violence and its devastating impact on families and communities; Train clergy and church workers on how to identify, prevent, and respond to cases of abuse; remote survivor-centered support systems that affirm the dignity of women and girls; Advocate for stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

“In closing, I pray that the Spirit of God will empower us all to be agents of peace, justice, and transformation in our time. May this project bear lasting fruit, not only in the lives of those it touches directly, but in the spiritual health and witness of the Nigerian church.”