Cleric tasks religious leaders, citizens on moral leadership, civic responsibility

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Bishop of Akwa Ibom State Diocese of Christ Army Church (GBC), Rt. Rev. Dr. David E. Udonsek has called on religious leaders, policymakers and citizens to move beyond passive spirituality and actively participate in transforming society through responsible leadership, civic engagement and moral accountability.

Speaking on Saturday in Uyo while delivering the chairman’s opening address at the Advocacy Summit for Spiritual Development Inclusion in the ARISE Agenda for Personal Growth and Value Leadership, the bishop said spiritual development should no longer be limited to personal reflection but must inspire practical action that positively influences governance, communities and institutions.

Addressing participants at the summit themed “Engage,” Udonsek described the theme as both a spiritual calling and a civic responsibility, stressing that the true measure of spiritual maturity lies in how personal faith translates into service, justice and community development.

He said spirituality must produce visible results in society through integrity, compassion, accountability and commitment to the common good.

“Spiritual growth cannot remain private; it must be expressed through action and visible impact in society,” the cleric declared.

According to him, leadership and spiritual guidance are inseparable, noting that the quality of governance and societal progress often reflects the moral and ethical values promoted by both political and religious institutions.

He warned that whenever spiritual leadership is weakened by poor character, external influence or lack of accountability, public leadership also risks losing its sense of purpose, truth and justice.

Drawing lessons from biblical history, Udonsek observed that many leaders have suffered grave consequences after surrounding themselves with voices of agreement rather than truthful counsel, emphasizing the need for honesty, courage and moral conviction in leadership.

The bishop further explained that the call to “Engage” represents a challenge for every citizen to rise to greater responsibility by contributing meaningfully to the growth of families, communities and public institutions.

He linked the message to the ARISE Agenda of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, describing it as part of a broader vision that encourages citizens to reject complacency, embrace productivity and become active partners in development.

Udonsek also cautioned against rivalry, division and selfish interests, warning that such attitudes undermine both spiritual growth and societal progress.

He urged participants not to regard the summit as a mere ceremonial gathering but as an opportunity to exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships and develop practical solutions that would strengthen advocacy and community development long after the event.

“The summit is not the end, but the beginning of active participation in transformation,” he said.

The bishop outlined the objectives of the summit to include promoting unity across different spiritual backgrounds, equipping participants with practical tools for personal growth, encouraging value-based leadership, fostering productivity and self-reliance, and strengthening civic responsibility across society.

Declaring the summit officially open, Udonsek challenged participants to become agents of positive change by inspiring ethical leadership, promoting peace and contributing to the sustainable development of their communities.

The Advocacy Summit is expected to feature robust discussions on governance, moral leadership, community development and practical strategies for deepening civic engagement and social responsibility across various sectors.