By David Torough, Abuja

The Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Makurdi Diocese has condemned the wrong use of clerical robes by the students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM).

In a statement by the chairman of CAMPAN, Makurdi Diocese, Hembadoom Orsar explained that the use of clerical robes or any costume for purposes of drama should exactly depict the essence of the original text of such a material.

“That is why the Nigerian Film industry censors all films before they are released for public consumption. If the Film Industry meticulously censors all works to remove negative intents before use, it becomes very condemnable for a University that should ordinarily be a citadel of learning to allow its students to engage in negative vices and release an uncensored product to the public.

“This action shows gross disrespect to the Catholic Faith and everything that it holds dear. It is a mockery of our revered Reverend Sisters who are perpetually decent and model in their dressing and covered despite their outstanding physical beauty for the sake of glorifying God .

“If the students had desired to use their costume in good faith, they should have done so properly to depict what they represent because in the history of the church no Nun goes with a dress above her knees.

“This action is seen by CAMPAN, an association of Media Professionals of different medium local national and international within the diocese saddled with the responsibility of communicating Christ in their  reportage and protecting the image of the Church as a deliberate effort to insult the Catholic Church.

“While it is a free world, your freedom ends where another person’s own starts, thereby creating a thin line between yours and that of another, one must be careful not to cross the line. It is disheartening that the university seems to have failed in their responsibility to teach its students the fragility and consequences that accompany issues of religion which has led to brazen disrespect with the Catholic Church as its first victim.

“We agree that as communication scholars and practitioners, the law of indecency and obscenity is not universal but it is good to note that good character upbringing should teach us never to go beyond the acceptable limits in whatever circumstance,” the statement partly read.

It urged the university to immediately call its students in order to serve as a deterrent to others who might be tempted to do the same with anyone else’s beliefs.