| Christian Association of Nigeria | |
| Imagewidth: | 200px |
| Abbreviation: | CAN |
| Main Classification: | Christianity |
| Scripture: | Bible |
| Structure: | Non-denominational |
| Associations: | Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria |
| Leader Title: | President |
| Leader Name: | Daniel Okoh |
| Area: | Nigeria |
| Founded Date: | 1976 |
| Website: | CAN Website |
| Slogan: | That they all may be one. John 17:21 |
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is an umbrella organisation containing numerous Christian denominations in Nigeria.
The Christian Association of Nigeria was founded in 1976, and originally only contained the Catholic Church and mainline Protestant groups. However, it later expanded to include Pentecostal churches as well.[1]
In 2000, the CAN protested the adoption of Sharia law in northern states.[2] In February 2006, while President of the organisation, Akinola issued a statement in response to Muslim violence against Christians, telling Muslims that they did not have a "monopoly on violence". The following day, Christians rioted in retaliation against Muslims, leading to more than 70 deaths.[3] [4] Akinola later claimed his statements had been misinterpreted in the western media. He even threatened to resign in case the riots should continue.[5]
On 2 May 2004, more than 630 Christians were killed in Yelwa, Nigeria. The dead were pinned white name tags identifying them as members of the CAN.[6] The massacre is known as the Yelwa massacre.
The organisation is made up of five blocs; they are the Christian Council of Nigeria, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches and the Evangelical Church Winning All/Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria.[7]
The CAN has Women and Youth Wings, a National Executive Council consisting of 105 members (which elects the President), and a General Assembly of 304 members (which ratifies the President's election).
In 2016, Supo Ayokunle, President (and Chief Executive Officer) of The Nigerian Baptist Convention, was elected as president and Prof. Joseph Otubu, of the Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Movement, the Vice President.
Ayokunle was re-elected for second term and inaugurated in July 2019 alongside his Vice President Rev Dr. Caleb Ahima.[8] In July 2022, Daniel Okoh was elected as the present president of the association[9]
| Order | Term of Office | Tenure Served | Name | Place of Birth | Denomination | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | November 1988 - November 1995 | 2 re-elected 1992 | Anthony Cardinal Okogie | Lagos, Nigeria | Roman Catholic | Archbishop of Lagos | |
| 2 | November 1995 - November 2003 | 2 re-elected 1999 | Sunday Mbang | Akwa Ibom, Nigeria | Methodist | Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria | |
| 3 | November 2003 - June 2007 | 1 | Peter Akinola | Ogun, Nigeria | Anglican | Prelate, Anglican Church of Nigeria | |
| 4 | June 2007 - July 2010 | 1 | Archbishop John Onaiyekan | Kabba, Nigeria | Roman Catholic | Archbishop of Abuja | |
| 5 | July 2010 - July 2016 | 2 re-elected 2013[10] [11] | Ayo Oritsejafor | Warri, Nigeria | Pentecostal | Pastor, Word of Life Bible Church | |
| 6 | July 2016 – July 2022 | 2 re-elected[12] | Supo Ayokunle | Oyo, Nigeria | Baptist | President, Nigerian Baptist Convention | |
| 7 | July 2022 - till date | Incumbent[13] | Daniel Okoh | Kano, Nigeria | Pentecostal | General Supretendent, Christ Holy Church International |