President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to religious bodies on the need to partner government on security.

He said they must  educate and sensitise Nigerians on building bridges of harmony and unity.

The President spoke when he received the report of the Federal Government’s delegation to the 2011 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel, Rome and Greece.

The 11-man delegation was led by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

Jonathan said: “In the light of the recent security challenges in parts of our country, I believe that our religious organisations have an obligation to function as proactive partners as we try to entrench peace, unity, security, stability, progress and prosperity in our nation.

“They must be involved in the process of educating and sensitising Nigerians on the imperative of collective commitment to building bridges of harmony and unity.

“My advice to our religious leaders also goes to the political class. I always said our nation can only maintain the lofty height which Almighty God has destined for us as a people if the political leadership is guided by the ideals of justice, equity, selflessness and fear of God.”

Oritsejafor said 17,543 pilgrims participated in the pilgrimage.