A presentation at the Fourth Synod of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the growing strain in the relationship between the clergy and the laity, warning that anticlerical sentiments are fast becoming a destabilizing force within the Church in Nigeria.
The paper, “Anti-Clerical Tendencies in the Church,” was delivered by Mother M. Anastasia Dike, DDL, on 18 November 2025, who traced the roots, causes, manifestations and possible remedies to the rising wave of mistrust and hostility toward Catholic clergy in contemporary society.
Mother Anastasia noted that, a though a anticlericalism originally served as a response to clericalism—defined as the misuse of clerical authority or exaggerated dominance of priests—its present expression in Nigeria is increasingly becoming confrontational and harmful.
She recalled that anticlericalism dates as far back as the 12th century and gained global momentum during the French Revolution, when the Church’s wealth and influence came under aggressive attack. These sentiments later spread to other parts of Europe and the Americas.
Mother Anastasia explained that clericalism, condemned repeatedly by Pope Francis as a “scandal,” has contributed greatly to the crisis. The Pope has consistently warned against priests acting like “princes,” distancing themselves from the people and placing themselves above the faithful.
The presentation also cited multiple Biblical examples where prophets and even Jesus Christ called out corrupt religious leaders, showing that criticism of spiritual abuse is not foreign to Scripture.
Mother Anastesia identified several factors fuelling anticlerical reactions across Nigerian parishes. These include: abuse of power, especially situations where priests exclude the lay faithful from decision-making or ignore the Church’s call to synodality; scandals, including sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement, which have eroded the moral credibility of some clergy; mishandling of victims, where abused persons report difficulty accessing justice, compassion or institutional support; extravagant lifestyles, which give the impression of wealth amid the widespread poverty faced by parishioners; perceived entitlement among some priests, leading to arrogance or unaccountability; lack of transparency, especially in financial matters and the handling of abuse cases; disconnection from societal realities, particularly on issues where faith intersects with science, such as IVF and modern reproductive technologies, and influence of Pentecostalism, which has changed how some Catholics understand Confession and the Eucharist.
The paper noted that anticlerical tendencies are no longer theoretical but visible in many parts of Nigeria. These include: ohysical attacks on priests and destruction of Church property; hostile criticisms of clergy, particularly on social media; challenges to Church teaching on governance, moral doctrine and sacramental discipline;
secularism, which increasingly pushes religion out of public life; defiance of Church authority, as seen in incidents where parishioners openly reject instructions from priests.
She cited an example of the recent viral incident involving women who defied their parish priest’s directive regarding an August Meeting arrangement, a case Mother Anastasia described as “painful” and damaging to the Church’s integrity.
While acknowledging the failings of some priests, the paper warned that the escalating hostility—much of it driven by anger, misinformation or rebellion—poses a grave threat to unity, synodality and the Church’s mission.
Mother Anastasia urged the Church to embrace greater transparency, accountability, pastoral sensitivity and collaboration with the laity. She also called on the faithful to show restraint, avoid generalizations and remain committed to dialogue.
“As anticlericalism grows,” she stated, “its negative expressions risk becoming more destructive than the clericalism it seeks to correct.”
The presentation sparked conversation among synod delegates, with many agreeing that a renewed commitment to humility, listening and shared responsibility is vital for rebuilding trust in the Church, promoting a productive, spirit-led local Church.
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