There is a conversation happening within the Catholic Church that many Nigerians and Africans at large have been too polite — or perhaps too conditioned — to have openly. But one courageous Catholic priest has decided to break the silence, and his message is resonating deeply.
The priest is asking a question that should make all of us pause and reflect: Why are African Catholic priests the ones rejecting African names during baptism?
The Uncomfortable Truth Nobody Wants to Say
According to the priest, here is the twist that makes this whole conversation even more eye-opening — no European priest has ever been the one rejecting African names. The rejections, he claims, are coming from African priests themselves.
Let that sink in for a moment.
We are talking about sons of the African soil — men who grew up hearing names like Chukwuemeka*, *Oluwaseun*, *Amara*, *Ikenna*, or *Abimbola — turning around and telling their fellow Africans that these names are not suitable for the sacrament of baptism. Meanwhile, their European counterparts have no such problem.
What’s Really Going On Here?
For many Nigerians, this will not come as a complete surprise. We have seen it play out in churches across the country. A family arrives for their child’s baptism, proud and ready, and somewhere along the line they are told — sometimes subtly, sometimes bluntly — that their child needs a “Christian name.” A European name.
The implication, whether intended or not, is deeply troubling: that African names are somehow less holy, less acceptable before God, less worthy of the sacrament.
But where exactly is that written? Which Bible verse, which Church doctrine, which papal decree says that Chisom* is less sacred than *Christopher*, or that *Oluwafemi* cannot stand beside *Francis?
A Colonial Hangover We Need to Address
Nigeria is one of the most religious nations on earth. We take our faith — whether Christianity or Islam — with tremendous seriousness. But our relationship with Christianity, particularly Catholicism, has always carried the fingerprints of colonialism.
For generations, Africans were taught, both explicitly and implicitly, that to be truly civilized — truly Christian — one had to shed African identity. African names, African traditions, African spirituality were painted as primitive or pagan. European names became badges of belonging, of acceptance, of faith.
Decades after independence, many of us are still carrying that baggage. And the most painful part? Some of our own priests are now the ones enforcing it.
The Priest’s Message is Simple but Powerful
The priest’s argument cuts straight to the heart of the matter. If European priests — the very people from whom African Catholics received the faith — do not find African names problematic, then why should African priests?
It is a powerful point. The gatekeeping is not coming from Rome. It is not coming from European missionaries. It is coming from within.
This is not just a religious issue. It is a question of self-worth, cultural identity, and the quiet ways in which colonial mentality continues to shape how Africans see themselves and their heritage.
What Do You Think?
Should African names be fully embraced during Catholic baptism? Have you or someone you know ever been told to change or add a European name before receiving a sacrament?
This is a conversation Nigeria — and indeed all of Africa — needs to have boldly and honestly. Our names carry meaning. They carry history, prayers, and the voices of our ancestors. Chukwuemeka* means “God has done great things.” *Oluwaseun means “I am praising the Lord.”
If those are not Christian enough, then honestly, what is?
Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if this resonates with you, share it — because this is a conversation worth having.
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