A bill seeking to create an appeal court to try cases pertaining to the Christian faith has passed for second reading at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The bill, which was sponsored by Istifanus Gyang, from Plateau State,as well as eight other lawmakers, is aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to include the creation of the Ecclesiastical Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and the various states of the federation.

The bill also stipulates the functions, jurisdiction, qualifications, appointments and tenure of office for the judicial officers to man the courts if established.

Leading a debate on the bill, Gyang said the proposed amendment was in line with the provisions of Section 37 of the Nigerian constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and association.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara referred the bill to the special ad-hoc committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution for further action.

Proponents and supporters of the bill are of the opinion that since there is a provision in the constitution for a Sharia Court, which deals on matters relating to the Islamic religion, it was only fair that a similar court be created for Christians.

Christianity and Islam are the two major religions in Nigeria.