"It is with deep concern and justifiable indignation" that "an alarming increase in aberrations during worship in our country committed by some of our own priests" was observed, according to a document published by the Bishops' Conference on Wednesday.
"To put it unequivocally: the liturgy is not a private playground for personal innovation. It is not a platform for the self-expression of the celebrant," reads the letter addressed to all priests in Nigeria. "It is a sacred good handed down by the Church that must be celebrated according to the established norms and traditions."
As examples of liturgical abuse, the bishops cite, for example, the alteration of prayers, the disrespectful handling of the Eucharist, the use of inappropriate music such as secular music, "indecent dances" with the monstrance, the commercialisation of the liturgy, the lack of appropriate liturgical clothing or the invention of rites - such as the blessing of children, in which priests place children on the altar. "These serious violations are not only a direct affront to the sanctity of the liturgy, but also embarrassing and scandalous for the Church in Nigeria," the bishops criticise.
Altar is not a theatre stage
Any priest who presumes to deviate from the liturgical norms is guilty of "a grave betrayal of his sacred duty" and is misleading the faithful. Such actions are not merely errors of judgement, but violations of holy order and must be treated as such.
"We remind our priests that the altar is not a theatre stage and the liturgy is not an arena for innovation. The Church has given clear instructions for the celebration of the liturgy, which must be followed without exception," the document states.
The Bishops' Conference calls on the bishops and top liturgists of the dioceses to take immediate and decisive action to correct the abuses. "The faithful look to you for leadership and it is your sacred duty to ensure that the liturgy in your diocese is celebrated with the dignity and reverence it demands."
If necessary, punitive measures should be taken to hold priests accountable and prevent others from committing similar offences.
Addressing priests, the Bishops' Conference writes: "You are entrusted with the most sacred responsibility of celebrating the mysteries of our faith. This responsibility should not be taken lightly and does not allow for personal interpretation."
Abuses and deviations from the prescribed form are unacceptable and do a disservice to the faithful and the Church.