An Adamawa Pastor has done what can be considered as usual in a local community that houses Internally Displaced Persons in the State.
In a show religious tolerance and benevolence, Pastor Stephen Dan Mamza, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria has built a Mosque for Muslims living as Internally Displace Persons in the Sangere Margi area of Gire Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The Pastor said he built to the Mosque so that the Muslims can practice their religion and also to strengthen the ties between the two religious groups.
Although the Muslims here are very few but we decided to build the mosque for them since they have lived here for over seven years.
“My church sponsored the whole project of the mosque. But also a church, clinic and school were built by one foundation from Germany and it’s for the over 80 houses community.” The Pastor told BBC Hausa.
He went on to reveal that he didn’t build to Mosque to win the souls of the Muslims over to Christianity.
“If I want them to convert to Christianity why should I build them a mosque? So this is for them as members of the community who are allowed to also practise their religion.”
He added that many of his Christian brothers misunderstood his intention to build the mosque but he later explained to them.
The Imam of the mosque, Mallam Musa Ali Burga, who is also member of the IPD, said they are amazed at the gesture of the Pastor, adding that the gesture will add to their good relationship.
“This came to us like a dream but it’s a reality. We never expected it from the pastor but he did it. So this is a welcome idea and it will add to our peaceful relationship. We thank him for this.”
Curled from Daily Trust.
