By Christopher Tom, Uyo
The President and Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Christian Ekong, has called for the total abolition of extravagant burial practices in Akwa Ibom State, describing them as financially burdensome and inconsistent with Christian values.
Speaking during a seminar organized by the Spiritual Fathers’ Forum in Uyo, Archbishop Ekong decried the growing trend of expensive funerals, warning that such customs could plunge families into debt and hardship.
He emphasized that funerals should be conducted with modesty and sobriety, noting that, “For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” According to him, the essence of Christian mourning should be rooted in faith, hope, and support for the bereaved — not in wasteful spending or public display.
The Archbishop urged the abolition of practices such as vigil nights, candlelight processions, friends’ nights, wake-keepings, and elaborate gift consultations, stressing that these traditions place unnecessary pressure on grieving families.
“Death should serve as a reminder of the consequences of sin,” he said, “but also as a message of God’s grace through redemption in Christ. The gospel reminds us that ‘the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.’”
Dr. Ekong also highlighted the approach of Protestant churches, which, under the influence of reformers like Martin Luther and John Calvin, simplified burial rites by emphasizing salvation through faith and the hope of resurrection, rather than elaborate ceremonies or prayers for the dead.
He commended participants at the seminar for their large turnout and dedication to spiritual values, urging them to “keep the flag flying” and trust that the Almighty would guide them in promoting godly traditions.
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