Bishop's Wife Advocates Ban on Unwholesome Films
By George Best Okoroh, Diocesan Communicator, Diocese of Egbu
CONN/500805
August 25, 2005- President of the Diocese of Egbu Mothers' Union, Women's Guild and Girls' Guild, Mrs. Ada Iheagwam has called for the ban on all home video, which have no good morals to teach.
Mrs. Iheagwam, who made the call during a pre-conference briefing in Owerri, noted that home video has negatively influenced the youths generally as many young men go into armed robbery after watching some of these unwholesome films.The Bishop's wife disagreed on the public outcry on child abuse as she attributed the missing of children and even adults to ritualists.
She also foresaw the return of slave trade in the country as people; she observed,were being smuggled out to other countries for labour and sex activities.She frowned at indecent dressing among the women folk and called on parents to check the ugly trend, recalling the resolution of the Bishops' wives in a recent workshop in Lagos calling for a concerted attack on 'nakedness' of the females.
On marriage she also called on parents to lay more emphasis on Church wedding instead of the traditional or 'Igba Nkwu' ceremony, which now enjoyed more prominence.Commenting on broken marriages, Mrs. Iheagwam attributed it to selfishness and advocated for marriages to be based on love, tolerance and patience.She condemned single parenthood both as uncultural and unscriptural and advised men who cannot marry due to financial incapability to meet their in-laws and explain their situation to them instead of using the shortcut.
On her experience as the President of the Mothers' Union, Women's Guild and Girls' Guild since the inception of the Diocese in 1996, she said that through the Grace of God, she has been able to pilot the affairs of the women in the Diocese despite its challenging nature.
She also explained that despite the rural nature of the Diocese, she has through prudent management ensured that some of the infrastructures lacking at the beginning have been provided.
Mrs. Iheagwam said as part of the strategy to be able to meet the financial challenges, the women embarked on a number of revenue yielding projects like the Weaving project at Ihiagwa and the Women's Shopping Complex Egbu,
Thursday 25 August 2005
Conference wants F.G, Labour to de-emphasize paper qualifications
Conference wants F.G, Labour to de-emphasize paper qualifications
CONN/510805
August 25, 2005- Delegates to the 48th annual National Bible Study Conference of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nigeria) have asked the federal government and employers of labour to place more emphasis on practical work than paper-qualifications.
A communiqué issued at the end of the conference held in Owerri, with the theme Going with God in times These’, said this would curb the lure of paper-qualifications by some Nigerians, who would go any length to acquire a certificate not matched with performance.
Conference delegates described as unfortunate the falling standard of education in the country and decried the prevalence of ‘life question papers’ being sold in open market without the security agencies apprehending anyone.
Delegates noted the prevalent poverty in the country and called on the federal government to invest the windfall from the crude oil price to reduce the level of poverty. It called on government officials to invest their money in Nigeria. It expressed worry over the nefarious activities of politicians hustling for elective positions in 2007 and appealed on all Christians to be prayerful and ‘go along with God' in times like these.
Conference delegates were of the opinion that the recent debt relief by the Paris Club was capable of reducing, if not totally eradicating unemployment in Nigeria. It urged the government to make judicious use of vast human and material resources in the country.
On the anti- corruption campaign being championed by President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, the delegates implored government agencies responsible for handling such offences to be honest and transparent.
Delegates also reminded young people to abstain from indiscriminate sexual relations, to avoid contacting HIV/AIDS. It stated that Christians all over the world should maintain sexual relationships with only their marital partners, according to the Bible teaching of marriage, which is between a man and a woman.
The Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev Peter Akinola was commended for the creation of additional dioceses but was advised that ‘proliferation of dioceses would not be in the interest of the Church.’
On the establishment of Ajayi Crowther University, the youths lauded the vision of the Church hierarchy but advised that ‘more Anglican youths should be considered for admission into the university.’
The Conference was attended by over 5000 delegates from 65 of the 94 dioceses of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
CONN/510805
August 25, 2005- Delegates to the 48th annual National Bible Study Conference of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nigeria) have asked the federal government and employers of labour to place more emphasis on practical work than paper-qualifications.
A communiqué issued at the end of the conference held in Owerri, with the theme Going with God in times These’, said this would curb the lure of paper-qualifications by some Nigerians, who would go any length to acquire a certificate not matched with performance.
Conference delegates described as unfortunate the falling standard of education in the country and decried the prevalence of ‘life question papers’ being sold in open market without the security agencies apprehending anyone.
Delegates noted the prevalent poverty in the country and called on the federal government to invest the windfall from the crude oil price to reduce the level of poverty. It called on government officials to invest their money in Nigeria. It expressed worry over the nefarious activities of politicians hustling for elective positions in 2007 and appealed on all Christians to be prayerful and ‘go along with God' in times like these.
Conference delegates were of the opinion that the recent debt relief by the Paris Club was capable of reducing, if not totally eradicating unemployment in Nigeria. It urged the government to make judicious use of vast human and material resources in the country.
On the anti- corruption campaign being championed by President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, the delegates implored government agencies responsible for handling such offences to be honest and transparent.
Delegates also reminded young people to abstain from indiscriminate sexual relations, to avoid contacting HIV/AIDS. It stated that Christians all over the world should maintain sexual relationships with only their marital partners, according to the Bible teaching of marriage, which is between a man and a woman.
The Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev Peter Akinola was commended for the creation of additional dioceses but was advised that ‘proliferation of dioceses would not be in the interest of the Church.’
On the establishment of Ajayi Crowther University, the youths lauded the vision of the Church hierarchy but advised that ‘more Anglican youths should be considered for admission into the university.’
The Conference was attended by over 5000 delegates from 65 of the 94 dioceses of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Monday 22 August 2005
New executive for Anglican media practioners
New executive for Anglican media practitioners
CONN/480805
Abuja, Aug. 22, 2005- The League of Anglican Media Practitioners (LAMP) on Saturday in Abuja put in place a new executive to run the affairs of the organisation.
The members were given the charge at an extra-ordinary meeting of the organisation.
Mr. Gbenga Onayiga of the Federal Radio Corporation, Abuja is the new coordinator of the organisation, while Lady Nkechi Okoronkwo of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja is the assistant coordinator.
Post of Secretary went to Mr. Azubuike Onowu, also of the NAN, while Miss Ugo Okoro of Voice of Nigeria (VON) is Links/Auditor.
Mr Adebayo Bodurin of the African Independent Television (AIT) and Mrs Debra Ogazuma, formerly of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), now in a private media outfit, are programme officers, while Mrs. Augusta Akparanta-Emenogu of NAN is the organization’s finance officer.
Mr. Peter Onwubuariri from the Communication Department of the Church of Nigeria Headquarters will serve as assistant secretary and public relations officer for the organization.
In his acceptance speech, Gbenga Onayiga pledged that the executive would work hard to justify the confidence reposed on them.
Rev. Canon Folusho Taiwo, of Saint Matthias Church, Zone 3, Abuja and manager of Crowther Radio, charged members of the new executive to be committed, saying they should regard it as a sacrifice worth undertaking.
Rev. Canon ’Tunde Popoola of the Church's Communications Department, on his own part, promised to support the new executive to discharge their duties and to meet the goals and objectives as well as the vision of the Primate, His Grace Peter Akinola, in encouraging the revival of the LAMP.
CONN/480805
Abuja, Aug. 22, 2005- The League of Anglican Media Practitioners (LAMP) on Saturday in Abuja put in place a new executive to run the affairs of the organisation.
The members were given the charge at an extra-ordinary meeting of the organisation.
Mr. Gbenga Onayiga of the Federal Radio Corporation, Abuja is the new coordinator of the organisation, while Lady Nkechi Okoronkwo of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja is the assistant coordinator.
Post of Secretary went to Mr. Azubuike Onowu, also of the NAN, while Miss Ugo Okoro of Voice of Nigeria (VON) is Links/Auditor.
Mr Adebayo Bodurin of the African Independent Television (AIT) and Mrs Debra Ogazuma, formerly of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), now in a private media outfit, are programme officers, while Mrs. Augusta Akparanta-Emenogu of NAN is the organization’s finance officer.
Mr. Peter Onwubuariri from the Communication Department of the Church of Nigeria Headquarters will serve as assistant secretary and public relations officer for the organization.
In his acceptance speech, Gbenga Onayiga pledged that the executive would work hard to justify the confidence reposed on them.
Rev. Canon Folusho Taiwo, of Saint Matthias Church, Zone 3, Abuja and manager of Crowther Radio, charged members of the new executive to be committed, saying they should regard it as a sacrifice worth undertaking.
Rev. Canon ’Tunde Popoola of the Church's Communications Department, on his own part, promised to support the new executive to discharge their duties and to meet the goals and objectives as well as the vision of the Primate, His Grace Peter Akinola, in encouraging the revival of the LAMP.
Anglican Church declares war on nakedness
Anglican Church declares war on nakedness
CONN/490805
Abuja, Aug. 22, 2005- Wife of the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Nigeria, Mrs. Susan Akinola, has said that it was time for everyone to join hands to stem the spate of indecent dressing, especially among the youth.
Addressing a rally on “War against Nakedness'' on Saturday in Abuja, Mrs. Akinola asked parents to participate actively in efforts to redress the situation.
“At such time as this, we are called as parents sometimes to listen, sometimes to speak out...but we are called to be caring and to act.''
She said many young people copied what they saw on television, videos and admonished that “we need to watch what we see.''
The primate's wife described indecent dressing as involving clothes, which were `` near nudity for females and the plaiting of hair and wearing of earrings by men,'' saying these were all unbiblical.
“Operation dress well is about moderation, using your body to the glory of God, '' she said and asked youths not to be lured by “sweet promises and enticement with money for the sake of fashion'' but to strive to cover their bodies.
Speaking in similar vein, Mrs. Martha Owuzurumba, another resource person at the rally, spoke on reproductive health and sexual rights.
Owuzurumba, another priest's wife, called for equitable, responsive sexual development, especially for adolescents.
She listed various landmarks in the growth of the adolescent as well as the physical and emotional resultant complications.
She appealed to parents and guardians to assist young adults to reduce the stress experienced by them during the period as well as help them transit smoothly to adulthood.
Mrs. Onwuzurumba asked young people to shun risky behaviours, such as drug abuse, saying they should stay away from abortion, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and to constantly communicate with parents and guardians.
Mrs. Belema Otache spoke on the ‘Total Child’. She asked children to ensure both physical and spiritual cleanliness, stressing that they should be true Christians and not “play religion.”
Youth Chaplain of the Anglican Church, Rev. Canon Syrenius Okoriko, said the war against nakedness should start from our mothers, who buy skimpy clothes for the young people.
He said it was regrettable that majority of youths, for whom the event was organized, chose to stay away, advising that youths should ensure that their actions were biblical.
Women's Chaplain Ven. Peter Okorunmade congratulated the women for taking the initiative to launch the fight against nakedness.
He asked parents to “take time off to ensure that those under them were well dressed” and advised Christian youths to correct their peers in love.
Mrs. Gloria Chuba, another resource person, said the war against nakedness should be well prosecuted so as to be won.
She traced the history of Adam and Eve, saying nakedness often brought shame, except among married couples.
She said current trend in dressing distracted and diverted attention from important things while “spiritual nakedness exposed one to danger and leads to immorality and death.''
CONN/490805
Abuja, Aug. 22, 2005- Wife of the Primate of the Anglican Communion, Nigeria, Mrs. Susan Akinola, has said that it was time for everyone to join hands to stem the spate of indecent dressing, especially among the youth.
Addressing a rally on “War against Nakedness'' on Saturday in Abuja, Mrs. Akinola asked parents to participate actively in efforts to redress the situation.
“At such time as this, we are called as parents sometimes to listen, sometimes to speak out...but we are called to be caring and to act.''
She said many young people copied what they saw on television, videos and admonished that “we need to watch what we see.''
The primate's wife described indecent dressing as involving clothes, which were `` near nudity for females and the plaiting of hair and wearing of earrings by men,'' saying these were all unbiblical.
“Operation dress well is about moderation, using your body to the glory of God, '' she said and asked youths not to be lured by “sweet promises and enticement with money for the sake of fashion'' but to strive to cover their bodies.
Speaking in similar vein, Mrs. Martha Owuzurumba, another resource person at the rally, spoke on reproductive health and sexual rights.
Owuzurumba, another priest's wife, called for equitable, responsive sexual development, especially for adolescents.
She listed various landmarks in the growth of the adolescent as well as the physical and emotional resultant complications.
She appealed to parents and guardians to assist young adults to reduce the stress experienced by them during the period as well as help them transit smoothly to adulthood.
Mrs. Onwuzurumba asked young people to shun risky behaviours, such as drug abuse, saying they should stay away from abortion, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and to constantly communicate with parents and guardians.
Mrs. Belema Otache spoke on the ‘Total Child’. She asked children to ensure both physical and spiritual cleanliness, stressing that they should be true Christians and not “play religion.”
Youth Chaplain of the Anglican Church, Rev. Canon Syrenius Okoriko, said the war against nakedness should start from our mothers, who buy skimpy clothes for the young people.
He said it was regrettable that majority of youths, for whom the event was organized, chose to stay away, advising that youths should ensure that their actions were biblical.
Women's Chaplain Ven. Peter Okorunmade congratulated the women for taking the initiative to launch the fight against nakedness.
He asked parents to “take time off to ensure that those under them were well dressed” and advised Christian youths to correct their peers in love.
Mrs. Gloria Chuba, another resource person, said the war against nakedness should be well prosecuted so as to be won.
She traced the history of Adam and Eve, saying nakedness often brought shame, except among married couples.
She said current trend in dressing distracted and diverted attention from important things while “spiritual nakedness exposed one to danger and leads to immorality and death.''
Sunday 21 August 2005
Ekiti-West Diocese strives towards Self-Sustenance - Report
Ekiti-West Diocese strives towards Self-Sustenance - Report
CONN/470805
Six years after her inauguration, the Diocese of Ekiti-West has invested in a 2-acre farm on Epe road to support the economic growth of the Diocese.
This is contained in a report by the Diocesan Communicator, Otunba Kunle Olasope outlining the strides of the diocese to mark their recent anniversary.
According to the report, the farm products such as cassava, palm seedlings, vegetables and orange are being sold to the public. Women organizations are not left out of the agricultural business, as they also own their own farms.
One of the key components of the vision of the Church of Nigeria, as encapsulated by the present Primate, the Most Rev Peter Akinola, shortly after his presentation in 2000, was for dioceses to be fully self-sustaining and self-financing.
Keeping with this vision, the report noted the diocese of Ekiti-West inaugurated in 1999 with Samuel Oke, as first Bishop, evolved a ten-year development programme hemmed around evangelism, investments in agriculture, women and youth participation.
Six years after, the report comments on evangelism: “our diocese (Ekiti-West) began with four archdeaconries and 31 churches, now we have eight archdeaconries and 50 churches.”
It reports that regular seminars are held for the clergy on the quarterly pulpit topics which constitute the uniform teaching (sermon) in all churches throughout the diocese. There is also the School of Discipleship and the ‘Jesus Carnival’ held annually, the report commented.
On the education and comfort of the clergy in the diocese of Ekiti-west, priests are encouraged to improve their academic qualifications which should ultimately have impact on their performances.
The report stated that funds for the building of the permanent Bishop’s court- now at the roofing stage- has so far been entirely raised from the annual launching of the Bishop’s charges at synod.
The Diocese of Ekiti-West, inaugurated November 22, 1999 is the 69th diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
CONN/470805
Six years after her inauguration, the Diocese of Ekiti-West has invested in a 2-acre farm on Epe road to support the economic growth of the Diocese.
This is contained in a report by the Diocesan Communicator, Otunba Kunle Olasope outlining the strides of the diocese to mark their recent anniversary.
According to the report, the farm products such as cassava, palm seedlings, vegetables and orange are being sold to the public. Women organizations are not left out of the agricultural business, as they also own their own farms.
One of the key components of the vision of the Church of Nigeria, as encapsulated by the present Primate, the Most Rev Peter Akinola, shortly after his presentation in 2000, was for dioceses to be fully self-sustaining and self-financing.
Keeping with this vision, the report noted the diocese of Ekiti-West inaugurated in 1999 with Samuel Oke, as first Bishop, evolved a ten-year development programme hemmed around evangelism, investments in agriculture, women and youth participation.
Six years after, the report comments on evangelism: “our diocese (Ekiti-West) began with four archdeaconries and 31 churches, now we have eight archdeaconries and 50 churches.”
It reports that regular seminars are held for the clergy on the quarterly pulpit topics which constitute the uniform teaching (sermon) in all churches throughout the diocese. There is also the School of Discipleship and the ‘Jesus Carnival’ held annually, the report commented.
On the education and comfort of the clergy in the diocese of Ekiti-west, priests are encouraged to improve their academic qualifications which should ultimately have impact on their performances.
The report stated that funds for the building of the permanent Bishop’s court- now at the roofing stage- has so far been entirely raised from the annual launching of the Bishop’s charges at synod.
The Diocese of Ekiti-West, inaugurated November 22, 1999 is the 69th diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Monday 15 August 2005
Do not leave the Anglican Church- Bishop Nwosu entreats youths
Do not leave the Anglican Church- Bishop Nwosu entreats youths
CONN/460805
Owerri, August 15, 2005- Worried by the exodus of youths from the Anglican Church, the Bishop of Umuahia, the Rt. Rev Ikechi Nwosu has appealed to youths to stay put in the Anglican Church.
Addressing delegates at the 48th National Bible Study Conference of the Anglican Youth Fellowship held in Owerri, Bishop Nwosu encouraged young Anglicans to remain in the Anglican Church even after they have had a fresh encounter with the Lord.
The Bishop argues that the youths should remain 'so that the blessings the Lord has bestowed on them will spread out to others in the Church.'
Sharing his boyhood experience with delegates from the 94 dioceses of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Bishop Nwosu said: "I grew up in the Anglican Church of those days where if you said 'Praise the Lord', you will receive a very hard knock and you will be almost chased out of the church."
He continued: "But today by God's grace, I am a leader within the Church (a Bishop) and that means that God doesn't find it easy to abandon the Church He has raised up in spite of sin and failure", he said.
In a passionate appeal the Bishop of Umuahia cried out: "Let the spirit of God move in you, let Him reveal the person of Jesus Christ more to you, let Him enable you to be born again and to be renewed; but for goodness sake and for the sake of the Kingdom do not leave the Anglican Church, remain there. "
Over 7000 delegates who filled the mini stadium of Federal Government Girls College, Owerri applauded the Bishop's appeal.
Bishop Nwosu was among the conference speakers in the 4-day ceremony, who had the opportunity to minister through teaching based on the theme ' Going with God In Times Like This'- Exodus 34:9.
Speaking on the topic The Strategies for Victory- in going with God in Times Like this-, he illustrated his teaching using the motif of a student who desires to pass an examination.
He identified listening to the word of God, studying the word of God and experimenting on the word of God (laboratory) as three important strategies that will ensure victory for the student.
According to him the Anglican Church was not bereft of trained theologians and Bible scholars, as most of the youths would say- but the problem was the impatience of young people to listen to instructions and teachings.
“We (the youth) may say some clergy are carnal, we may say we have unbelievers who are preachers and lay readers, but I insist that you (the youth) must listen first. If you are going to be of help to the person or institution you must listen first”, he said.
The Rt. Rev Ikechi Nwosu is famed to have contributed to the emergence of the youngest Bishop in the Church of Nigeria, the Rt. Rev Chigoziri Onyegbule, 36, of Ikwuano diocese. Until his election, he was a priest in the diocese of Umuahia under Bishop Nwosu.
CONN/460805
Owerri, August 15, 2005- Worried by the exodus of youths from the Anglican Church, the Bishop of Umuahia, the Rt. Rev Ikechi Nwosu has appealed to youths to stay put in the Anglican Church.
Addressing delegates at the 48th National Bible Study Conference of the Anglican Youth Fellowship held in Owerri, Bishop Nwosu encouraged young Anglicans to remain in the Anglican Church even after they have had a fresh encounter with the Lord.
The Bishop argues that the youths should remain 'so that the blessings the Lord has bestowed on them will spread out to others in the Church.'
Sharing his boyhood experience with delegates from the 94 dioceses of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Bishop Nwosu said: "I grew up in the Anglican Church of those days where if you said 'Praise the Lord', you will receive a very hard knock and you will be almost chased out of the church."
He continued: "But today by God's grace, I am a leader within the Church (a Bishop) and that means that God doesn't find it easy to abandon the Church He has raised up in spite of sin and failure", he said.
In a passionate appeal the Bishop of Umuahia cried out: "Let the spirit of God move in you, let Him reveal the person of Jesus Christ more to you, let Him enable you to be born again and to be renewed; but for goodness sake and for the sake of the Kingdom do not leave the Anglican Church, remain there. "
Over 7000 delegates who filled the mini stadium of Federal Government Girls College, Owerri applauded the Bishop's appeal.
Bishop Nwosu was among the conference speakers in the 4-day ceremony, who had the opportunity to minister through teaching based on the theme ' Going with God In Times Like This'- Exodus 34:9.
Speaking on the topic The Strategies for Victory- in going with God in Times Like this-, he illustrated his teaching using the motif of a student who desires to pass an examination.
He identified listening to the word of God, studying the word of God and experimenting on the word of God (laboratory) as three important strategies that will ensure victory for the student.
According to him the Anglican Church was not bereft of trained theologians and Bible scholars, as most of the youths would say- but the problem was the impatience of young people to listen to instructions and teachings.
“We (the youth) may say some clergy are carnal, we may say we have unbelievers who are preachers and lay readers, but I insist that you (the youth) must listen first. If you are going to be of help to the person or institution you must listen first”, he said.
The Rt. Rev Ikechi Nwosu is famed to have contributed to the emergence of the youngest Bishop in the Church of Nigeria, the Rt. Rev Chigoziri Onyegbule, 36, of Ikwuano diocese. Until his election, he was a priest in the diocese of Umuahia under Bishop Nwosu.
Friday 12 August 2005
Be loyal to relevant authorities, Archbishop cautions youth
Be loyal to relevant authorities, Archbishop cautions youth
CONN/450805
Owerri, August 12, 2005- At the opening of the 48th National Bible Conference of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nigeria), young people have been reminded to always uphold the Constitution of the Church and be loyal to relevant authorities.
In his address of welcome, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri, the Most Rev Bennett Okoro said: "the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) is not a separate body from the Church, and can only find relevance within the goals, objectives and programs of the Church.
Archbishop Okoro, who declared the conference open Thursday, on behalf of the Primate, the Most Rev Peter Akinola urged the executives of the AYF to urgently address the issue of humility and submissiveness.
In 2003, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) adopted ten provincial structure known as ecclesiastical provinces, each headed by an Archbishop.
"The insistence of some of the Officers of the AYF to continue to hold onto the former three provincial structure which is now defunct is counter productive, as it is no longer necessary."
He urged members of the fellowship to desist from giving any recognition or support to any structure no longer recognized by the National church.
On the theme of the conference, ‘Going with God In Times Like This'- Exodus 34:9, the Archbishop said it has been carefully chosen to buttress last year's Conference theme 'Living By Faith'.
He stressed: "It is indisputable that a time like this (the dispensation in which we find ourselves) is very horrible."
Describing the time as perilous, Okoro said: a period of hooliganism, vandalism, violent murders, brigandry, false asceticism, syncretism/occultism, indecency, disobedience and shallow belief in God.
He called on the youth to say no to societal vices such as cultism, adding, "embrace education and be professing and possessing Christians, by living out the gospel message”.
Earlier, the President of the AYF, Mr. Godwin Oguguo Nathaniel commended the evangelism efforts of the present Primate, which has led to the creation of more dioceses.
According to him, the creation of additional dioceses was in line with the vision of the Church tagged Mission 1-1-3, which aims to double Nigerian Anglican membership in three years.
CONN/450805
Owerri, August 12, 2005- At the opening of the 48th National Bible Conference of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nigeria), young people have been reminded to always uphold the Constitution of the Church and be loyal to relevant authorities.
In his address of welcome, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri, the Most Rev Bennett Okoro said: "the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) is not a separate body from the Church, and can only find relevance within the goals, objectives and programs of the Church.
Archbishop Okoro, who declared the conference open Thursday, on behalf of the Primate, the Most Rev Peter Akinola urged the executives of the AYF to urgently address the issue of humility and submissiveness.
In 2003, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) adopted ten provincial structure known as ecclesiastical provinces, each headed by an Archbishop.
"The insistence of some of the Officers of the AYF to continue to hold onto the former three provincial structure which is now defunct is counter productive, as it is no longer necessary."
He urged members of the fellowship to desist from giving any recognition or support to any structure no longer recognized by the National church.
On the theme of the conference, ‘Going with God In Times Like This'- Exodus 34:9, the Archbishop said it has been carefully chosen to buttress last year's Conference theme 'Living By Faith'.
He stressed: "It is indisputable that a time like this (the dispensation in which we find ourselves) is very horrible."
Describing the time as perilous, Okoro said: a period of hooliganism, vandalism, violent murders, brigandry, false asceticism, syncretism/occultism, indecency, disobedience and shallow belief in God.
He called on the youth to say no to societal vices such as cultism, adding, "embrace education and be professing and possessing Christians, by living out the gospel message”.
Earlier, the President of the AYF, Mr. Godwin Oguguo Nathaniel commended the evangelism efforts of the present Primate, which has led to the creation of more dioceses.
According to him, the creation of additional dioceses was in line with the vision of the Church tagged Mission 1-1-3, which aims to double Nigerian Anglican membership in three years.
Thursday 11 August 2005
Why I object to Homosexuality and Same-sex unions
Why I object to Homosexuality and Same-sex unions
Peter Akinola
THE CHURCH of Nigeria is an Evangelical Church. It upholds the authority of scripture and is unreservedly committed to mission and evangelism that results in conversion of people to the Lord, church-planting and the caring ministry. In this Church, we teach about the total depravity of man and his absolute need for salvation through faith in Jesus the Christ. For us, therefore, adherence to scripture is not only paramount, it is also non-negotiable. In matters of faith and practice, scripture provides sufficient warrant for what is considered right and what is judged to be wrong.
In recent times, we have been told that the issue of homosexuality is relative. We believe it is not a relative matter. In the context of our part of the Church and society, we see it as a behaviour that is expressly forbidden and roundly condemned in scripture. For instance, Leviticus 18.22 commands: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." (See also Leviticus 20.13; Genesis 19.1-14, 13.13; Romans 1.26-28; cf. Leviticus 18.23.)
This is why it is such a crucial issue that it cannot be treated on relative terms, or accepted on the grounds of local pressure. Instead, it is identified in scripture for what it is — sin.
The point here is not of separating from sinners, with a holier-than-thou attitude, but objecting strongly to yielding to the permissive and satanic spirit, the worldly spirit of a materialistic, secularist and self-centered age, which seeks to mould everyone into its own tainted image.
Our argument is that, if homosexuals see themselves as deviants who have gone astray, the Christian spirit would plead for patience and prayers to make room for their repentance. When scripture says something is wrong and some people say that it is right, such people make God a liar. We argue that it is a blatant lie against Almighty God that homosexuality is their God-given urge and inclination. For us, it is better seen as an acquired aberration.
THE ISSUE is such an important one, such a defining one, with the potential of splitting the Communion, because it has become a chronic aberration, which is being defended and promoted in the Church of God. On the authority of the word of God, we see homosexuality as a rebellion against God, like that typified by Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. A rebellion cannot be relative.
Moreover, homosexuality is flagrant disobedience to God, which enables people to pervert God’s ordained sexual expression with the opposite sex. In this way, homosexuals have missed the mark; they have shown themselves to be trespassers of God’s divine laws.
Protagonists of homosexuality try to elevate this aberration, beyond divine scrutiny, while church leaders, who are called to proclaim the undiluted word of God like the prophets of old, are unashamedly looking the other way.
The practice of homosexuality, in our understanding of scripture, is the enthronement of self-will and human weakness, and a rejection of God’s order and will. This cannot be treated with levity; otherwise the Church, and the God she preaches, will be badly deformed and diminished.
Homosexuality does violence to nature. As someone puts it: "It contradicts the very light and law of nature." Romans 1.26-27 says it this way: "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."
THE ISSUE is such a defining one because two cannot go together except if they agree. To overlook this fundamental departure from scripture is not safe for faith or conscience; it means "walking in the counsel of the ungodly". The consequence is to risk the displeasure of God.
What we are talking about is an attack on the Church by some whose aim is to discredit the gospel, pollute the Church, neutralise its power and pull it down. Christ has forewarned: "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad" (Matthew 12.30).
If those who are promoting this energy-sapping and unnecessary controversy were to be a little more spiritually sensitive; if they were to walk closely with the Lord and accept the authority of his word as revealed in scripture, they would not need to be persuaded about what is at stake. The acceptance of homosexuality and lesbianism as normal is the triumph of disobedience; the enthronement of human pride over the will of God. This lifestyle is a terrible violation of the harmony of the eco-system of which mankind is a part. As we are rightly concerned by the depletion of the ozone layer, so should we be concerned by the practice of homosexuality.
God instituted marriage between man and woman, among other reasons, for procreation. To set aside this divine arrangement in preference to self-centred perversion is an assault on the sovereignty of God. Homosexuality is an abuse of a man’s body just as much as lesbianism is. As in earlier time (Genesis 19), God shall judge — cf. Romans 1.27-28 (quoted above).
God created two persons — male and female. Now the world of homosexuals has created a third — a homosexual, neither male nor female, or both male and female — a strange two-in-one human.
With this tragic topic on the agenda of the Anglican Church worldwide, the Church has regrettably come to crossroads, but we hope that the Compass Rose will be able to give direction on the safest way home — to peace and communion. The majority of us still believe that communion is important, and it is cherished by us all. However, this is not at the expense of vital communion with God, and certainly not at the cost of shepherding more than 17 million Nigerian Anglicans into harm’s way by leading them into the wilderness of morally empty theologising.
Homosexuality or lesbianism or bestiality is to us a form of slavery, and redemption from it is readily available through repentance and faith in the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.
Peter Akinola
THE CHURCH of Nigeria is an Evangelical Church. It upholds the authority of scripture and is unreservedly committed to mission and evangelism that results in conversion of people to the Lord, church-planting and the caring ministry. In this Church, we teach about the total depravity of man and his absolute need for salvation through faith in Jesus the Christ. For us, therefore, adherence to scripture is not only paramount, it is also non-negotiable. In matters of faith and practice, scripture provides sufficient warrant for what is considered right and what is judged to be wrong.
In recent times, we have been told that the issue of homosexuality is relative. We believe it is not a relative matter. In the context of our part of the Church and society, we see it as a behaviour that is expressly forbidden and roundly condemned in scripture. For instance, Leviticus 18.22 commands: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination." (See also Leviticus 20.13; Genesis 19.1-14, 13.13; Romans 1.26-28; cf. Leviticus 18.23.)
This is why it is such a crucial issue that it cannot be treated on relative terms, or accepted on the grounds of local pressure. Instead, it is identified in scripture for what it is — sin.
The point here is not of separating from sinners, with a holier-than-thou attitude, but objecting strongly to yielding to the permissive and satanic spirit, the worldly spirit of a materialistic, secularist and self-centered age, which seeks to mould everyone into its own tainted image.
Our argument is that, if homosexuals see themselves as deviants who have gone astray, the Christian spirit would plead for patience and prayers to make room for their repentance. When scripture says something is wrong and some people say that it is right, such people make God a liar. We argue that it is a blatant lie against Almighty God that homosexuality is their God-given urge and inclination. For us, it is better seen as an acquired aberration.
THE ISSUE is such an important one, such a defining one, with the potential of splitting the Communion, because it has become a chronic aberration, which is being defended and promoted in the Church of God. On the authority of the word of God, we see homosexuality as a rebellion against God, like that typified by Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. A rebellion cannot be relative.
Moreover, homosexuality is flagrant disobedience to God, which enables people to pervert God’s ordained sexual expression with the opposite sex. In this way, homosexuals have missed the mark; they have shown themselves to be trespassers of God’s divine laws.
Protagonists of homosexuality try to elevate this aberration, beyond divine scrutiny, while church leaders, who are called to proclaim the undiluted word of God like the prophets of old, are unashamedly looking the other way.
The practice of homosexuality, in our understanding of scripture, is the enthronement of self-will and human weakness, and a rejection of God’s order and will. This cannot be treated with levity; otherwise the Church, and the God she preaches, will be badly deformed and diminished.
Homosexuality does violence to nature. As someone puts it: "It contradicts the very light and law of nature." Romans 1.26-27 says it this way: "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."
THE ISSUE is such a defining one because two cannot go together except if they agree. To overlook this fundamental departure from scripture is not safe for faith or conscience; it means "walking in the counsel of the ungodly". The consequence is to risk the displeasure of God.
What we are talking about is an attack on the Church by some whose aim is to discredit the gospel, pollute the Church, neutralise its power and pull it down. Christ has forewarned: "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad" (Matthew 12.30).
If those who are promoting this energy-sapping and unnecessary controversy were to be a little more spiritually sensitive; if they were to walk closely with the Lord and accept the authority of his word as revealed in scripture, they would not need to be persuaded about what is at stake. The acceptance of homosexuality and lesbianism as normal is the triumph of disobedience; the enthronement of human pride over the will of God. This lifestyle is a terrible violation of the harmony of the eco-system of which mankind is a part. As we are rightly concerned by the depletion of the ozone layer, so should we be concerned by the practice of homosexuality.
God instituted marriage between man and woman, among other reasons, for procreation. To set aside this divine arrangement in preference to self-centred perversion is an assault on the sovereignty of God. Homosexuality is an abuse of a man’s body just as much as lesbianism is. As in earlier time (Genesis 19), God shall judge — cf. Romans 1.27-28 (quoted above).
God created two persons — male and female. Now the world of homosexuals has created a third — a homosexual, neither male nor female, or both male and female — a strange two-in-one human.
With this tragic topic on the agenda of the Anglican Church worldwide, the Church has regrettably come to crossroads, but we hope that the Compass Rose will be able to give direction on the safest way home — to peace and communion. The majority of us still believe that communion is important, and it is cherished by us all. However, this is not at the expense of vital communion with God, and certainly not at the cost of shepherding more than 17 million Nigerian Anglicans into harm’s way by leading them into the wilderness of morally empty theologising.
Homosexuality or lesbianism or bestiality is to us a form of slavery, and redemption from it is readily available through repentance and faith in the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.
Saturday 6 August 2005
A STATEMENT ON THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND'S RESPONSE TO CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS BY THE PRIMATE OF ALL NIGERIA
A STATEMENT ON THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND'S RESPONSE TO CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS
BY THE PRIMATE OF ALL NIGERIA
I read with utter dismay the pastoral statement recently issued by the Church of England House of Bishops with regard to the Civil Partnership Act scheduled to come into force on 5 December 2005.
While I was pleased to note the reaffirmation of the Church’s historic teaching on both marriage and sexual intercourse [1], [4] I was sorely distressed that these words are not matched by corresponding actions.
The language of the Civil Partnerships Act makes it plain that what is being proposed is same-sex marriage in everything but name. This is even acknowledged in the statement [10]. I find it incomprehensible therefore that the House of Bishops would not find open participation in such ‘marriages’ to be repugnant to Holy Scriptures and incompatible with Holy Orders.
The proposal that the bishops will extract a promise from clergy who register that there will be no sexual intimacy in these relationships is the height of hypocrisy. It is totally unworkable and it invites deception and ridicule. How on earth can this be honoured? For the Church of England to promote such a departure from historic teaching is outrageous.
I also note with alarm that the statement encourages the church to ask nothing of lay people who become registered same-sex partners before they are admitted to baptism, confirmation and communion. [23] This not only dishonours the laity and the sacraments of the Church - it also makes it obvious that the bishops of the Church of England are proposing a deliberate change in the discipline of the church.
It seems clear the House of Bishops is determined to chart a course for the Church of England that brings further division at a time when we are still struggling with fragmentation and disunity within the Communion. Let it be known that it is not a path that we can follow. It is also a path that is clearly at odds with the mind of the rest of the Anglican Communion.
May I remind the Bishops of the Church of England that, when faced with similar decisions on the part of the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada, discipline was imposed. While I have great affection and respect for the historic role that the Church of England has played in all of our lives, no church can ignore the teaching of the Bible with impunity and no church is beyond discipline.
I call on the House of Bishops of the Church of England to renounce their statement and declare their unqualified commitment to the historic faith, teaching and practice of the Church. Failure to do so will only add to our current crisis.
I am, by this statement, asking my brother Primates, their bishops and all the faithful in our Communion to remain calm in the face of this new provocation as we look forward to our next meeting. I also call on all those who cherish and uphold the integrity and sanctity of the Word of God to pray for our beloved Church.
The Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola, CON, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
BY THE PRIMATE OF ALL NIGERIA
I read with utter dismay the pastoral statement recently issued by the Church of England House of Bishops with regard to the Civil Partnership Act scheduled to come into force on 5 December 2005.
While I was pleased to note the reaffirmation of the Church’s historic teaching on both marriage and sexual intercourse [1], [4] I was sorely distressed that these words are not matched by corresponding actions.
The language of the Civil Partnerships Act makes it plain that what is being proposed is same-sex marriage in everything but name. This is even acknowledged in the statement [10]. I find it incomprehensible therefore that the House of Bishops would not find open participation in such ‘marriages’ to be repugnant to Holy Scriptures and incompatible with Holy Orders.
The proposal that the bishops will extract a promise from clergy who register that there will be no sexual intimacy in these relationships is the height of hypocrisy. It is totally unworkable and it invites deception and ridicule. How on earth can this be honoured? For the Church of England to promote such a departure from historic teaching is outrageous.
I also note with alarm that the statement encourages the church to ask nothing of lay people who become registered same-sex partners before they are admitted to baptism, confirmation and communion. [23] This not only dishonours the laity and the sacraments of the Church - it also makes it obvious that the bishops of the Church of England are proposing a deliberate change in the discipline of the church.
It seems clear the House of Bishops is determined to chart a course for the Church of England that brings further division at a time when we are still struggling with fragmentation and disunity within the Communion. Let it be known that it is not a path that we can follow. It is also a path that is clearly at odds with the mind of the rest of the Anglican Communion.
May I remind the Bishops of the Church of England that, when faced with similar decisions on the part of the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada, discipline was imposed. While I have great affection and respect for the historic role that the Church of England has played in all of our lives, no church can ignore the teaching of the Bible with impunity and no church is beyond discipline.
I call on the House of Bishops of the Church of England to renounce their statement and declare their unqualified commitment to the historic faith, teaching and practice of the Church. Failure to do so will only add to our current crisis.
I am, by this statement, asking my brother Primates, their bishops and all the faithful in our Communion to remain calm in the face of this new provocation as we look forward to our next meeting. I also call on all those who cherish and uphold the integrity and sanctity of the Word of God to pray for our beloved Church.
The Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola, CON, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
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