The Bishop of Okrika Diocese, The Rt. Rev’d Tubokosimie Abere has called on Christians to practice what they preach by not stealing.

The Rt. Rev’d Abere, who delivered the early morning sermon at the Holy Communion Service of the Church of Nigeria 12^th General Synod holding at the St Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, noted “as a preacher we tell people not to steal, but in our closet, we practice stealing.”

The Preacher, who spoke on the Theme of the General Synod “Thou Shall Not Steal,” (Exodus 20:15) expressed worry that the society is presently experiencing evil, which according to him, calls for growing concern.

According to him, God created man to establish a relationship between divine and mere mortals, but regretted that man did not live up to expectations.

 The Rt. Rev’d Tubokosimie Abere said almost all the passages of the Bible draw attention to stealing yet, all the sectors of the country including the civil service and the education stink.

He said sin of whatever magnitude is stealing and called on employers not to defraud employees and employees to be faithful, loyal and honest.

Bishop Abere stated that many businesses like National Carrier, the railway and even RISONPALM are either grounded or in near collapse due to stealing by employees and called for a change of attitude.

The Bishop advised Christians to be hard working to enable them take care of their families. Furthermore, he charged them to reject laziness as it encourages poverty, which in turn becomes a breeding ground for stealing.

He condemned in its entirety taxes not paid to government and tithes not paid to the church, describing it as stealing.

 According to him, “It is wrong for a man to steal N400 million and he is asked to return N400,000, just to prove that he is culpable, while someone who steals one hundred naira is sent to prison for one year or more.”

He enjoined Christians to put away every negative attitude, be kind to one another and be tender hearted.

Finally, he prayed that the good Lord deliver the nation from insecurity, covetousness, greed, rebellion and other untoward practices.