The Bishop of Akwa Ibom State Diocese of Christ Army Church (GBC), His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. David E. Udonsek, MNSE on Tuesday urged religious leaders, policymakers and citizens to move beyond passive spirituality and actively engage in societal transformation.
The cleric made the call on Tuesday in Uyo, while delivering the chairmanโs opening speech at the Advocacy Summit for Spiritual Development Inclusion in the ARISE Agenda for Personal Growth and Value Leadership.
Udonsek, who described the summit theme โENGAGEโ as both a spiritual and civic mandate, said spiritual development must no longer be confined to private reflection but translated into visible action that influences governance, communities and moral leadership.
According to him, true spiritual maturity is demonstrated when personal beliefs are expressed through social responsibility, justice advocacy and community development.
โSpiritual growth cannot remain private; it must be expressed through action and visible impact in society,โ he said.
He noted that leadership and spiritual guidance are deeply interconnected, adding that societies often reflect the quality of direction they receive from both political and spiritual institutions.
The cleric warned that when spiritual guidance is compromised through weak moral character, lack of accountability or external influence, leadership decisions risk drifting away from truth and purpose.
Citing biblical references, he pointed to historical situations where leaders were surrounded by consensus but lacked truthful counsel, resulting in misdirection and societal consequences.
Udonsek emphasized that engagement also means โarising into responsibility,โ urging citizens to take ownership of their roles in building stronger families, communities and institutions.
He linked the message of โENGAGEโ with broader governance narratives such as the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno and earlier developmental calls for renewal and self-responsibility, describing them as continuous reminders for citizens to reject complacency.
The bishop further cautioned against unhealthy rivalry, division and self-serving behaviors, warning that such tendencies weaken both spiritual and social structures.
He urged participants at the summit to actively contribute ideas, ask questions, and build lasting networks that would sustain advocacy beyond the event.
โThe summit is not the end, but the beginning of active participation in transformation,โ he said.
Udonsek also outlined key objectives of the gathering, including fostering unity among diverse spiritual backgrounds, equipping participants with practical tools for personal growth, and promoting productivity and self-reliance.
He concluded by declaring the summit open, calling on participants to engage, inspire and transform their communities through sustained action and value-driven leadership.
The Advocacy Summit is expected to feature discussions on governance, moral leadership, community development and strategies for strengthening civic responsibility across different sectors.