The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is the premier ecumenical body representing millions of Christians across various denominations in Nigeria. Established in the late 1970s, CAN serves as the central voice for the Christian faith, promoting inter-denominational unity, defending religious freedom, and engaging the government on social, political, and moral welfare issues.
- Background and Historical Foundation (1976)
The formation of CAN was catalyzed by a specific event in August 1976.
The Dodan Barracks Meeting: On August 27, 1976, the Federal Military Government led by General Olusegun Obasanjo invited various Christian leaders to Dodan Barracks in Lagos. The government aimed to consult church leaders regarding the introduction of the National Pledge and National Flag Recitation into primary and secondary school curricula.
The Post-Meeting Gathering: The Christian leaders agreed to the proposal on the condition that morning devotions and prayer would precede these recitations. Realizing that Christians lacked a unified, singular umbrella organization to address issues affecting the faith, the leaders adjourned from Dodan Barracks to the nearby Catholic Secretariat in Lagos.
Establishment: At this caucus, the leaders formally resolved to form a unified organization. Out of several proposed names, they chose the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
First Constitution: The association’s first constitution was formally signed on April 20, 1977.
- Foundational Leadership
The founding fathers comprised key figures from mainline Protestant bodies and the Catholic Church:
First President: His Eminence, Cardinal Dominic Ekandem (Catholic Church)
First General Secretary: Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Adegbite (Christian Council of Nigeria)
Key Co-Founders: Archbishop Francis Arinze, Cardinal Anthony Okogie, and Rt. Rev. Festus O. Segun, among others.
Vision
To be the unifying voice of all Christians in Nigeria, amplifying their views, interests and enhancing the spiritual development of all followers of Christ.
Mission
To connect people to Jesus and one another by helping them to grow their faith, finding the true essence of Christianity and build healthy Christian relationships.
To foster ecumenism by uniting all denominations in the body of Christ so as to promote understanding, peace, unity and mutual respect.
To build a great nation for all people through gospel movement, community formation, social justice and cultural renewal.
Objectives
To serve as a basis of response to the unity of the Church, especially as contained in our Lord’s
pastoral prayer: ‘’That they all may be one’’. ( John 17 : 21)
To promote understanding, peace and unity among the various people and strata of society in
Nigeria, through the propagation of the Gospel.
To act as a liaison committee, by means of which its member-churches can consult together and
when necessary, make common statement and take common actions.
To act as watch-man of the spiritual and moral welfare of the nation.
Past Presidents of CAN
| 1976 – 1986 | Cardinal Dominic Ekandem | Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) |
| 1988 – 1995 | Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie | Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) |
| 1995 – 2003 | Prelate Sunday Mbang | Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN – Methodist) |
| 2003 – 2007 | Primate Peter Jasper Akinola | Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN – Anglican) |
| 2007 – 2010 | Cardinal John Onaiyekan | Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) |
| 2010 – 2016 | Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor | Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) |
| 2016 – 2022 | Rev. Dr. Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle | Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN – Baptist) |
| 2022 – Present | Most Rev. Daniel C. Okoh | Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) |
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