AME Zion declares fasting for abducted girls

The Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church has proclaimed Friday May 30th a day of fasting and prayer for the about 300 abducted Nigerians girls.

They have also called on all communities of faith, who call upon God, to join them in the fast and prayer to petition the Almighty to intervene to save the innocent lives from the hands of the wicked.

A statement signed by about 16 Bishops, led by its President, Right Reverend Dr. Seth O. Lartey, said their aim include asking God to give them a witness that would urge upon the hearts of humankind the cessation of exploitation, abuse and other wickedness towards the weak and poor.

They are also calling on governments and other authorities in world to ensure justice for the oppressed and to end their economic exploitation.

“Our hearts are deeply troubled and our minds profoundly disturbed by the abduction of more than 300 girls from their school in northeastern Nigeria by Boko Haram terrorists on April 15,” the Bishops said.

The statement said for nearly one month, 276 of the girls are still missing and are reported to be suffering abuse and denigration of body and spirit.

“…we feel the anguish of the parents, siblings, and friends whose loved ones have been captured; this horrific action takes place during this period of history when exploitation of women, children, the poor, and the otherwise vulnerable is accepted by many as sound perspective, the justifiable use of strength, and even aligned with Christian principles”.

The Bishops, however applauded the efforts of the Obama administration and other world leaders to lend support to the Nigerian government in their attempt to rescue the girls.