CLASFON - About Us

"The Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul" Ps. 19 v 7

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HISTORY

The Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) started with a gathering of some Born Again Christians at the Nigeria Law School in 1979.
The reason for their gathering was to pray and share with one another the precious Word of God. This was necessary as they believed that they were entering into a profession with immense challenges and these challenges could not be overcome except with the help of Jesus Christ.

Two years later in 1981 the first CLASFON National Convention was held at Kaduna and since then the conventions have been held in different parts of the country, from Lagos to Calabar, Abeokuta to Jos, Ilorin to Makurdi etc.
CLASFON over the years grew rapidly as undergraduate Law students caught the vision and also started CLASFON in their various Universities, thus the CHRISTIAN LAW STUDENTS FELLOWSHIP OF NIGERIA(CLASFON ) was born at different times in various universities

As members of CLASFON left the Universities and the Law school, they still saw the need (an even greater need) to maintain fellowship with one another, thus at the first convention at Kaduna the vision was written and made plain.

THE VISION
A constitution was prepared stating in the preamble that:

Our vocation is part of our calling from God;
Law is a vital arena for Christian witness and discipleship;
There is a great need today to work and pray for the liberation of our society from the vices that bring our nation to reproach;
There is a need for us to protect the image of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ through our practice of the Law;
Having a deep sense of mission and commitment to speak effectively about Gospel and its impact on the problems of Law and society;
Realising that our fellowship will enhance our spiritual welfare and corporate actions as well as provide a forum for encouraging one another
The vision of was articulately outlined in part two of the constitution:

To protect the image of Christ through the practice of the Legal profession
To work as a mission with the firm commitment to speaking effectively about the Gospel and its impact on the problems of Law and society;
To practice our vocation as part of our calling from God
To support Law students who are Christians
TO provide spiritual, moral and material support for ex-convicts who have come in contact with the saving grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
To provide for the exchange of information and experience relating to the practical problems of the Christian Lawyer, and the application of the principles of the Christian faith to current legal and social problems by:

making publications and
arranging of National and Regional Conferences, Lectures, and other suitable activities

To encourage prayer for all persons connected with the legal profession
To diligently pursue the path of Truth, Justice, Honour and Integrity
To strive for the highest professional ethics in the practice of the Law.

CORPORATE WITNESS
By being joined together in one organization we can witness our faith more effectively than as individuals alone. As Christian Lawyers we tend to face challenges inherent in our practice which to a large extent affects our commitment to God.
By coming together, we x -ray these problems from biblical standpoint and encourage each other on the path of righteousness. More-so, when we come together, we form a formidable front against societal vices by speaking with one voice in the midst of discordant tunes of the world.
In the course of doing this, we lay a sound precedent for incoming practitioners to emulate.

PRAYER
sustains her vision through prayers. In praying together we break the stronghold of the devil in the legal profession. The bible says that one shall chase a thousand while two shall chase ten thousand.
If only two Christians in the profession can gather together to chase ten thousand agents of darkness in the legal profession, then what will happen if about 1,000 Nigerians will stand to their feet in righteousness?
A lawyer is a rescuer, this itself involves risk. Jesus as an advocate had to pray with his disciples before going to the cross to rescue us. Consider how frustrating it was when he had to do it alone while others were busy sleeping. Thus, sees the need to pray together for encouragement and strength.

NURTURING OUR FAITH
As Lawyers we are sometimes seen as possessing certain attributes. Some of these may be antithetical to our growth. As a fellowship, we retire to the feet of Jesus for the purpose of examining how well we are doing.
Thus, our faith is nurtured through biblical teachings, inspirational preaching, seminars and workshop.

EVANGELISM
In Titus 3:13 Paul said;"Bring zenas the Lawyer.."
In his work of evangelism Paul appreciated working with a fellow Lawyer. This does not mean that a non -Lawyer is not useful. I mean to buttress the fact that by our natural training in the Legal profession we are acquainted with the power of "persuasion" and "reasoning."
With these indispensable assets backed by the Holy spirit, it becomes easier for "two to chase ten thousand through evangelism. As a fellowship we see the need to reach out to the unsaved as a divine injunction. Even if an accused person is condemned to death for his criminality, a Lawyer's fiduciary relationship and ministration to him can radically change the course of his destiny.
The fellowship also sees the need to reach out to fellow colleagues, whether students or practitioners. It is my dream that we will call over other lawyers, as Paul did, so that the gospel can be effectively delivered to the unsaved.

EDUCATION
The fellowship is interested in educating would-be lawyers. Most of the young ones may not actually understand the courses which they have to get into. So older folks in the profession are duty bound to render all forms of assistance in the academic field.
Contemporary moves have been made to evolve a scholarship scheme to assist indigent Christians studying Law. On the other hand, the friendship which develops through fellowship enables those who may not be able to afford some books to borrow such from others.
Moreover, some fellowship libraries are enriched with Legal materials which are jointly purchased for the betterment of our great quest for excellence. To crown it all, the seniors physically attend in campuses to deliver lectures and tutorials when called to do so.

INFLUENCING LAW REFORM
Oputa J.S.C.(as he then was) stated in OHUKA V. STATE(1988) 1 NWLR 72539 as follows: "This court is not a mechanical and automatic calculator." No. It is a cowl of law dealing with varying situations in order to do justice in each case. This shows that the court is sometimes an instrument of Law reform.
Pious and radical Christian Judges have in most cases laid down revolutionary decisions which have altered the course of "unjust and "harsh laws."
Sadly, if an unregenerate person is at the helm, it is difficult to expect conscientious adjudication. With respect, some Judges could tend to further injustice under the guise of slavish adherence to precedence.
In the case of DONOGHUE V. STEVENSON (1932) AC562 Lord Atkin, a prudent Christian, employed his knowledge of the scripture when he brought a radical test for duty of care to limelight. This he called the "Neighbour tests".
Also, it was the courageous stand of Lord Denning (President of the Lawyers Christian fellowship, 1950 - 1987) that brought to fore the reckonable equitable doctrine of promissory estoppel popularly called the HIGH TREES CASE(1947) K.B.130.
Alternatively, Legislations can be changed if the fellowship proffers a strong recommendation for Law Reform. I submit that a corporate recommendation is more forceful than a single one.
More-so, if Christian Lawyers find themselves in legislative houses, they will employ their knowledge of the word of God to vote in a bill for the reformation, alteration or obliteration of unjust Laws.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
The fellowship further exposes us to the seniors in the profession. The seniors can accommodate juniors for the purpose of chamber attachment, Youth service or employment.
Without prejudice to the great ideals of the fellowship, the fellowship through well placed Christians may recommend a prudent member for a meritorious appointment if the need arises.
Furthermore through the fellowship we can reach other places within and outside the Country which would otherwise have been impossible. This is done through attending Conferences, Seminars and Corporate Programs.