THERE has been an alarming increase in crisis of confidence between state governments and religious organisations, particularly Christian churches in our society. It is coming in different variations from different parts of the country.

In each instance, we see either side acting as though it is not bound by law, morality or simple decency.

In Osun State, the regime of Governor Rauf Aregbesola has acted with impunity, merging Christian mission schools with those of Moslems or state-owned institutions in the name of educational reclassification, which Christian interest groups allege as “Islamisation of education” in the state.

In Enugu State, the government ordered the demolition of the Cathedral of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in the Coal City, even when a court case on the matter is yet to be decided. The state government alleges that the church is built on a drainage channel.

In Ogun State, it was the church that was branded the aggressor. Staff of Bishop David Oyedepo’s Winners Chapel in September 2013, reportedly beat up tax officers of the Ogun State Government, who were on official duty. Another assault was reported when officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning, accompanied by journalists, went to serve notice over an illegal building project.

The most recent case was the sealing of the headquarters of the Lord’s Chosen Church by the Lagos State Government over alleged dirty environment and blocked drainage, though the church continues to function in spite of the closure.

This ugly trend, if not checked, will one day lead to breakdown of law and order. We do not want to see a repetition of the mishandling of the Boko Haram sect, which became an insurgent organisation when its leader was extra-judicially killed in police custody.

Religion is a very sensitive matter. There is an onus on both state actors and leaders of religious organisations to understand the thin line between the spiritual and moral force of religion and the constitutional mandate of state authorities. Both sides must act within the law at all times.

Any time a state authority wants to introduce a socially-relevant policy which might affect the interests and estates of religious organisations it must meet, discuss and agree with the affected religious stakeholders before seizing their property.

But where such property stands against public good, government must do its work but without prejudice to the legal rights of the religious bodies. The church must abide by the dictum: “Give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to Him.”

Religious groups and the state must work together because society cannot do without either. Leaders and elder statesmen must not sit idly by and watch government officials and church or mosque members slug it out. It is an ill wind that blows no one any good.