Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an award-winning Nigerian writer, said Catholicism in Nigeria is about money, thanksgiving and fundraising.
According to her, this is one of the other reasons why she stops attending Catholic churches in Nigeria.
The 43-year-old novelist made the announcement during an interview with media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.
However, she noted that she still considers herself a Catholic and only attends masses outside Nigeria if she encounters a “progressive” Catholic community that upholds humanity.
“I grew up as a Catholic. Catholicism was very important to me. It’s almost like a culture, not just a religion. Even if you leave the Catholic Church, it is in you.
“Right now I do not like religion because I do not know. There are so many rules about religion; it teaches you in a way that I do not think so many Protestant denominations do.
“I am a Catholic, but I do not attend Nigeria.
‘Nigerian Catholicism is all too much about money, fundraising and thanksgiving. Some in the east even see who carries gold. I think the focus of religion should be things that Nigerian Catholicism does not focus on.
‘I call myself a Catholic, but if I’re religious, I mean act and confess, then I’m not.
“I go to church outside the country if I find a thriving Catholic Church,” Chimamanda added.
However, she noted that she respects religion in general, but questions some of its excesses.
