Reaction as man whose father is an Islamic Cleric becomes Catholic Priest

In a rare display of religious tolerance, the son of a Muslim cleric, Moses Ibn Idris, has been ordained as a Catholic priest.

The ordination of Rev. Fr Ibn Idris took place in Jalingo, Taraba state, and his father, Idris, attended the ceremony in support of his son’s decision to convert to Christianity.

Rev. Fr Ibn Idris attended the Sacred Heart Minor Seminary in Jalingo and was ordained in 2021.

Both of his parents are Muslims, and it was reported that his father gave his blessings when his son decided to convert to Christianity and join the seminary.

A photo of the father and son shared on social media by Voices Nigerian has gone viral, with many social media users finding the inter-religious embrace heartwarming.

However, some have raised pertinent questions about the implications of such a conversion in a society where religious tensions are high.

See some of the comments below;

@DrVic_Exotic; I know some of them like that. I have a priest friend who is Fulani. He is currently a chaplain in Rivers State. His parents are Muslims.

@JaqualineDXB; My Christian cousin wanted to attend St John seminary, he was denied admission because his parents weren’t Catholics. So how did this happen? His dad is not even a “Christian”.

@teamanempire; These are the ones who will tell me that Islam is the religion of peace and I will believe them. They practice what they’re preaching…. religious tolerance.

@Namoneyideyfind; I have seen something like this in oyo state about 2 yrs ago, The former chief Imam of the state had his son conferred as the youth coordinator of a CAC church there Baba came there with his wife to rejoice Imam was very happy sef

@AgbomUdoka; I know this guy. Part of his work was at St. Augustine’s Jalingo. Congratulations to him! He has a great father❤️

@Ibiye05; Religion is a personal race and everyone has the right to believe and worship his God in peace without being intimidated or intimidating others!

The ordination of Rev. Fr Ibn Idris as a Catholic priest highlights the need for religious tolerance and acceptance of diversity in Nigeria.

It also shows that despite the differences in religious beliefs, love and family ties can still thrive.