SAN FRANCISCO, January 02, (THEWILL) – Novelist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed why she doesn’t like to attend Catholic Churches in Nigeria. In a recent interview with TV host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Adichie said, “Activities in Catholic Churches in Nigeria became way too much about money, fundraising, and thanksgiving. So I only attend masses outside the country whenever I find a “progressive” Catholic community that upholds humanity.”
The 43-year-old while noting that she considers herself a nominal Catholic, said, “I grew up Catholic. Catholicism was very important to me. It‘s almost like a culture, not just a religion. So even if you leave the Catholic Church, it’s in you.
“Nigerian Catholicism is way too much about money, fundraising, and thanksgiving. Some in the east even look at who’s wearing gold. I think the focus of religion should be things Nigerian Catholicism doesn’t focus on,” she said.
“There are so many rules. It teaches you guilt in a way that I don’t think so many protestant denominations do. I’m Catholic, nominally. I still feel protective of some things about the Catholic Church. But I don’t attend it in Nigeria.”
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie also spoke of her admiration for Pope Francis on account of his attempt to reform the system.
“There’s still something beautiful about the mass. I find Latin beautiful, the priests sweeping up in their dresses, and the sense of community. But there’s also a lot that I quarrel with. It’s the Pope I love because he’s so human.
“Hyper-conservative Catholics don’t like him. But if they read Catholic history, they should know there have been people like him who have reformed the church. I respect religion in general while questioning some of its excesses.”
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