THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH SYNOD
COMMUNIQUE
Communiqué issued at the 1st session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Ilesa, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held at the Cathedral of St. John, Iloro, Ilesa from Thursday, 12th May, 2005 to Sunday, 15th May, 2005.
The theme of the Synod is ‘Follow me’ John 21:19b
The Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Ilesa and President of the Synod, The Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Olubayo Sowale in his Charge to the Synod said:
‘The Church of Nigeria (Anglican communion) has engaged every member in Mission 1-1-3.
That is, every Anglican to bring one convert into the fold within the next 3 years. This is the task of the Church. It is a call to the primary assignment of the Church. Evangelism is the heart-beat of the Church.
We need to engage in Evangelism to spread God’s saving rule to the World. Biblical Evangelism is not just a matter of winning people to Christ but also of making Disciples of Christ. When you think of it, there is no other way the Church can be built up. The Synod must commit itself to Mission 1-1-3. Every Anglican member of our Diocese must go out and fish for Christ.”
The Synod, in its deliberations related the theme to the political, social and spiritual environment in the country and sent the following messages to the nation:
SAME SEX UNION
In so far as the Synod felt that homosexual practice is incompatible with the scriptures, the Synod commended the Anglican Primates’ meeting for taking a decision which in effect amounts to suspension of the Episcopal Church of USA (ECUSA) and the Anglican Church of Canada from the Anglican Consultative Council for the period leading to the next Lambeth Conference, over their stand on same sex union in the hope that those Churches would have a rethink.
HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria etc.
The Synod expressed its full support for the African Primates’ meeting in its desire to support the General Secretary of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, and other World Leaders in developing effective strategies to combat HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria and reduce abject poverty and hunger in the World by half by the year 2015.
COMMENDATION FOR THE GOVERNMENT
Although the Synod commended the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the area of improved communication systems, and steady gas and fuel pump price, the Synod frowned at the erratic nature of electricity supply in the country.
NATIONAL POLITICAL REFORM CONFERENCE
The Synod commended the Federal Government for inaugurating the National Political Reform Conference, thereby giving the masses the opportunity to express themselves on the future of Nigeria. The Synod saw in the Conference, which has been described as a sign of progress, hope that it may launch Nigeria into a truly just society. The Synod however called on delegates to the Conference to be dispassionate in their deliberations on all issues especially those that may enhance unity, peace and justice within the polity.
TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNANCE
The Synod praised the President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for waging relentless war against corruption, which appeared to have eaten deep into our system. The Synod called on all Nigerians to join hands with the President to fight corruption by educating our youths and children about dignity of labour, that honesty is the best policy and to be punctual at work for punctuality is the soul of business.
The Synod also noted with pleasure that the recent removal of some judicial officers and the indictment of some members of the National Assembly gave Nigerians some hope that all would be well. The Synod however called on members of the National Assembly not to constitute themselves into clogs in the wheel of progress in any form or shape in the war against corruption.
EDUCATION:
The Synod deeply appreciates the efforts of the Primate of all Nigeria, The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola, the Bishops and all faithful Anglicans towards securing approval of the National Universities Commission for the establishment of Bishop Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.
EVANGELISM
The Synod felt at one with the President of the Synod in his charge that evangelism remains the main assignment of the Diocese, indeed, the heart beat of the Church, and rededicated itself to mobilise and engage every member in mission 1-1-3 for fruitful results.
…………Signed………………… ….…… Signed ………………….
The Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Olubayo Sowale Chief Bandele Aiku,SAN
THE DIOCESAN BISHOP THE REGISTRAR
