Church Life Africa, in partnership with the United States-based Augustine Institute, has extended its evangelisation outreach to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Abuja, describing the initiative as part of efforts to take theology beyond classrooms and bring hope to vulnerable communities.
The outreach brought together Catholic clergy and young Catholics across Nigeria, as well as theologians and filmmakers from the US, to engage displaced families through faith, encouragement and spiritual formation.
Speaking during the visit, Director of Church Life Africa and Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Amadi, said the outreach was inspired by a call by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja to make theology practical and accessible.
“The Archbishop challenged us to take theology beyond the classroom and the library, to give theology walking shoes. Today’s visit is our response by bringing the message of God’s love to people in this camp,” he said.
According to him, although many residents have been displaced by conflict, they have not been abandoned.
“Our true home is in Jesus Christ, and anyone who is with Him is never truly displaced,” he added.
Amadi said the partnership with the Augustine Institute reflects the universality of the Catholic Church and its shared commitment to evangelisation and theological education across continents.
Representing the Augustine Institute, Jordan Pacheco said the collaboration provides an opportunity to expand access to Catholic theological education beyond the United States through digital learning platforms and educational resources.
“It is inspiring to witness the hunger for theological education in Nigeria. We hope this partnership continues to grow and reaches even more communities,” he said.
Pacheco acknowledged that while Catholicism has experienced declining numbers in parts of the United States, the Church continues to witness significant growth in countries such as Nigeria, describing it as a source of hope for the global Church.
Also speaking, the Academic Dean of the Augustine Institute, Dr John Sehorn, said the institution remains committed to supporting the Church’s mission wherever partnership opportunities exist.
“The Church is universal, and we remain open to wherever God calls us. We believe new approaches to evangelisation are needed while remaining faithful to the Gospel,” he said.
Community leader Danladi D. Peter welcomed the outreach, saying it had restored hope among displaced families, most of whom fled insurgency in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
