CAN
Definition:
CAN is an Association of Christian Churches with distinct identities, recognisable Church structures and a system of worship of one God in the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Association makes Christ the centre of all its works and shall promote the glory of God by encouraging the growth and unity of the Churches and helping them to lead the nation and her people to partake of Christ's salvation and all its fruits. The motto is – that they all may be one.
Mission:
“The Mission of the Association is to meet regularly and take joint action on vital matters, especially on those issues which affect the Christian Faith and the welfare of the generality of Nigerians.”
Objects:
1) To serve as a basis of response to the unity of the church, especially as contained in our Lord’s pastoral prayer that they all may be one.
2) To promote understanding, peace and unity among the various people and strata of society in Nigeria through the propagation of the gospel.
3) To act as a liaison committee by means of which its member – Churches can consult together and, when necessary, make a common Statement and take common actions.
4) To act as watchperson of the Spiritual and moral welfare of the Nation.
Structure:
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, the aforementioned Organisation of African Instituted Churches, and the Evangelical Fellowship of West Africa.
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).
CAN branches:
In order to adequately cater for the Christian groups around the country, CAN established branches:
1. Zonal Branches: made up of Church Groups in the State that make up of each geo-political Zone of the country.
2. State Branches: made up of Church Groups in each State.
3. Local Government Branches made of Church Groups in the Local Government Areas of the State.
Each branch of CAN may make byelaws to regulate its affairs and operation, provided that such Byelaws are not in conflict with the constitution of the Association and must be approved by the NEC of CAN.
