By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
In an exclusive interview with SUMMIT POST News in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, Rev. Dr. Micah Dopah, Dean of Cabinet Southern Nigeria Annual Conference United Methodist Church, called on Christian denominations to emulate the Catholic Church in electing their leaders.
“We congratulate and give God the Glory for the emergence of a new Pope Leo XIV,” Rev. Dr. Dopah said. “Our expectation is that he will continue to trust in God for strength and wisdom to lead the Church in these difficult times.”
Rev. Dr. Dopah urged those who contested against Pope Leo XIV to consider it an act of God and unite behind the new Pope. “Let them unite and give him the needed support so that he will succeed,” he emphasized.
The cleric also called on Catholic Priests and faithfuls to accept Pope Leo XIV’s emergence as an act of God, disregarding racial differences. “They should not consider color (Black or White skins), but see it as the will of God. Ours is to say Yes to it.”
Rev. Dr. Dopah commended the smooth and transparent election process of the Catholic Church, urging other Christian denominations to emulate this model. “I call on other Christian denominations to emulate the Catholic Church, for the election was smooth and transparent. There is no point in engaging in blackmail against anybody during elections of leaders.”
He added, “The issue of leadership is not a do-or-die affair. Other denominations should not disgrace the body of Christ by fighting and causing confusion during elections of leaders.”