Thursday 29 September 2005

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE PRIMATE OF ALL NIGERIA, THE MOST REV’D PETER J. AKINOLA ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2005

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE PRIMATE OF ALL NIGERIA, THE MOST REV’D PETER J. AKINOLA ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2005

Gentlemen of the Press,
I welcome you all to this special occasion of interaction and briefing on recent events in the Anglican Communion, where by the divine providence, I serve to lead and lead to serve.
I congratulate and thank you for the effective coverage of the just concluded 8th General Synod of our Church, held at the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Onitsha. An informed press which cannot be taken for granted contributes to the building of the person and the nation.
THE CHURCH
The Church of Nigeria upholds without restriction 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.
We believe and teach that a person sanctified in word and deed, through faith in Jesus the Christ, is capable of performing his civic duties more responsibly, in the awareness that he is accountable to God, the Creator and owner of Life.
Two weeks after our meeting in Onitsha, a lot of misconstrued information has been making the waves around the world particularly in the western media, concerning some of the decisions reached by the General Synod of the Church.
To refresh your memories, in Onitsha we took a number of actions to clarify our commitment to the apostolic faith. One of the things we did to strengthen this position was to amend our constitution.
Our amended constitution deleted all such references that hold colonial intonation defining us with the See of Canterbury and replaced them with a new provision of Communion with all Anglican Churches, Dioceses and Provinces that hold and maintain the Historic Faith, Doctrine, Sacrament and Discipline of the one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
This action has been largely misrepresented by those who think that schism in the Anglican Church has become inevitable following the disarray the United States and the Canadian Churches brought on the Communion because of their revisionist agenda on homosexuality. And most recently the House of Bishops of the Church of England’s apparent double-speak on the Civil Partnerships Act that comes into force by December 5, this year.
We want to state that our intention in amending the 2002 Constitution of the Church of Nigeria was to make clear that we are committed to the historic faith once delivered to the Saints, practice and the traditional formularies of the Church.
The triennial Synod of the Church amended the language of our constitution so that those who are bent on creating a new religion in which anything goes, and have thereby chosen to walk a different path may do so without us.
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is Evangelical. We want to reiterate that adherence to the Holy Scripture is not only paramount, it is also for us, non-negotiable. Furthermore in matters of faith and practice, the Holy Scripture provides sufficient warrant for what is considered right and what is judged to be wrong. The word of God cannot be compromised.
We treasure our place within the worldwide family of the Anglican Communion but we are distressed by the unilateral actions of those provinces that are clearly determined to redefine what our common faith was once. We have chosen not to be yoked to them as we prefer to exercise our freedom to remain faithful. We continue to pray, however, that there will be a genuine demonstration of repentance.
We are Anglicans and have done nothing or ever think of doing anything capable of breaking up the Communion. Some find the historic tenets of our common beliefs old fashioned and unacceptable to their modern culture. They are introducing new religious practices unknown to scripture and our history and are the ones tearing apart the very fabric of our Communion.
At our meeting in Onitsha, we also decided to make constitutional provision to extend pastoral care and Episcopal oversight to those of our people and others who are geographically separated from us but who share our convictions through the establishment of Convocations and Chaplaincies beyond our shores.
Other provinces have had such pastoral arrangements notably in Europe. Our earnest desire is to see the fabric of our beloved Anglican Communion restored and our bonds of affection renewed through our common commitment to God’s Word written as expressed in Article XX of our common Articles of Religion.
Back home, we reminded ourselves at the Synod that though tribe and tongue may differ, we are one body in Christ as long as our belief in God is the same. We condemn in strongest terms divisions borne out of ethnicity and nepotism in the Church.
We also resolved to live together and focus on evangelism as we spread out to reach all parts of Nigeria with the saving gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We hope that the unity demonstrated by our Church will be a paradigm of the unity desired by our nation.
THE NATION
Come October 2, 2005 after almost 16 years of ‘inactivity’ the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja will be dedicated to the Glory of God. The Church appreciates the efforts of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, towards the completion of the edifice. This construction reminds us all, particularly Christians of the unity of the body of Christ and by extension, the unity of our nation.
We urge all Christians to see the dedication of this symbol of unity as an opportunity for us to know one another better as fellow pilgrims in this fleeting world. We should begin to see ourselves as people of one faith, one church, under one God?
No matter our tongue or tribe, we must resolve to work together toward the total emancipation of this great nation by sharing and demonstrating the gospel principles in all areas of our endeavour.
Lately, our nation has been impaled with rumours of chaos and the political class are not helping matters as scheming for the 2007 elections seem to override every other consideration. The Church is also impaled with the complaints of the wretched of the earth- the poor, the jobless, the oppressed and millions of Nigerians who continue to groan under abject want and poverty in the midst of plenty.
The brokenness of our entire society including the Church of God, calls for urgent action from all and sundry. The suffering of the vast majority is as glaring as the ostentatious living of a privilege few.
While urging Nigerians to heed government’s appeal to make more sacrifices for the good of the nation, the church also calls on our government functionaries and public officers to do the same by watching their ostentatious life style.
IMMUNITY CLAUSE:
Though we appreciate the wisdom of the makers of our Constitution in providing immunity for our leaders, what is obtainable now, does more harm than good to the nation.
The public office holders who enjoy immunity under the constitution should live above board and appreciate that immunity from prosecution does not mean immunity from investigation.
When leaders are clearly living beyond their means, or where there is evidence of funds being transferred outside the State into foreign bank accounts, if the immunity clause should be called to their aid, it makes the whole idea ridiculous. We therefore call on all stake-holders in this nation to set in motion the Federal Government machinery to remove this “dubious cover” from all public office holders.
Thank you for honouring our invitation, we pray that God that has given you the opportunity to communicate to millions of people will uphold you with his truth. Amen.
Sincerely,

The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola DD, C.O.N.
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria.

Thursday 15 September 2005

CHURCH OF NIGERIA REDEFINES ANGLICAN COMMUNION

CHURCH OF NIGERIA REDEFINES ANGLICAN COMMUNION

With a careful rewording of her constitution, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) redefined her relationship with all other Anglican Churches.
All former references to ‘communion with the see of Canterbury’ were deleted and replaced with another provision of communion with all Anglican Churches, Dioceses and Provinces that hold and maintain the ‘Historic Faith, Doctrine, Sacrament and Discipline of the one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church’.
Emphasis was also placed on the 1662 version of the Book of Common Prayer and the historic Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion.
The Constitutional change also allowed the Church to create Convocations and Chaplaincies of like-minded faithful outside Nigeria. This effectively gives legal teeth to the Convocation of Anglican Nigerians in Americas (CANA) formed to give a worshiping refuge to thousands in the USA who no longer feel welcomed to worship in the Liberal churches especially with the recent theological innovations encouraging practices which the Nigerians recognize as sin.
Excerpt of the minutes read;
‘At the General Synod of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion holding in Onitsha Diocese on the Niger on the 14th day of September, 2005, the Constitution of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2002 was amended as follows:

Chapter 1 Section 3
Chapter 1 Section 3 was amended by deleting sub-sections 1, 2, and 3, and replaced with new section 3, thus.

“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) hereinafter called “The Church of Nigeria” or “This Church” shall be in full communion with all Anglican Churches Dioceses and Provinces that hold and maintain the Historic Faith, Doctrine, Sacrament and Discipline of the one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church as the Lord has commanded in His holy word and as the same are received as taught in the Book of Common Prayer and the ordinal of 1662 and in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion.”

Chapter IX Section 39 (a) – (f)

Add a new sub-section (c) and re-number the section thus
“(c) to create convocations, chaplaincies of like-minded faithful outside Nigeria and to appoint persons within or outside Nigeria to administer them and the Primate shall give Episcopal Oversight

Chapter 16 Section 75 add a new sub-section 8 thus
“(8) Convocation shall mean non-geographic collection of Churches and Mission”.
And re-number the rest of the sub-section.

To ensure adequate care for the existing Convocation, the Episcopal Synod which met on Wednesday after the Holy Communion Service set up an Advisory Committee comprising of eight bishops, one Priest, and the Registrar of the Church.
The Members are:
The Most Rev. Maxwell Anikwenwa Dean and Archbishop Province of the Niger,
The Rt. Rev. Ikechi Nwosu Bishop of Umuahia
The Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma Bishop of Enugu
The Rt. Rev. Segun Okubadejo Bishop of Ibadan-North
The Rt. Rev. Benjamin Kwashi Bishop of Jos
The Rt. Rev. Caleb Maduoma Bishop of Ideato
The Rt. Rev. Peter Adebiyi Bishop of Lagos-west
Barrister Abraham Yisa Registrar
Ven. Sola Igbari The Director of Global Anglican Relations

They will initiate policy, and monitor implementation of the programmes of CANA under the supervision of the Primate of All Nigeria.

Signed:

The Rev. Canon AkinTunde Popoola
Director Communication

CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) ELECTS THREE NEW BISHOPS

CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) ELECTS THREE NEW BISHOPS

The Episcopal Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), which was held in The CATHEDRAL OF ALL SAINTS Onitsha, Anambra state, on Wednesday, September 14th, 2005, elected the Ven Abiodun Olaoye as a missionary bishop to the Church of the Province of Congo. Ven. Olaoye formerly vicar of St’ John’s Church Akinmorin in Ibadan Diocese will proceed after his consecration to fulfil a Macedonian call from the Primate of the Province of Congo.
Also the following Clergymen were elected to the vacant Sees of Yola and Damaturu.
Ø The Venerable Abiodun Ogunyemi, formerly of St’ Christopher’s Church, Kaduna, as Bishop- elect of Damaturu Diocese.
Ø The Revd Canon Ibrahim A. Markus, formerly of Holy Trinity Cathedral Kafanchan, as Bishop- elect of Yola Diocese.
The See of Yola became vacant due to the translation of the Rt. Rev. Christian O. Efobi to the See of Aguata while that of Damturu was due to the recent translation of Rt. Rev. Daniel A. Yisa to the See of Minna.
Their consecration will take place at Christ Church Cathedral, Marina, Lagos on Friday 14th October 2005.

Signed:

The Rev. Canon AkinTunde Popoola
Director Communication

8TH GENERAL SYNOD MEETING HELD AT THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS

8TH GENERAL SYNOD MEETING HELD AT THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS, ONITSHA: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2005
MESSAGE TO THE NATION
PREAMBLE:
At the 8th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) focusing on the theme: “THE BODY OF CHRIST” with the Most Revd Peter Akinola, D.D., C.O.N., the Archbishop, Metropolitan and the Primate of All Nigeria presiding, the following message is hereby sent to the Nation:
COMMENDATION OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT:
The General Synod thanks the Anambra State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Chris Ngige, and the entire people of Anambra State, for their goodwill and hospitality.
NATIONAL ECUMENICAL CENTRE, ABUJA:
The Church appreciates the efforts of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, towards the completion of the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja and calls on all especially Christians in Nigeria to see the Centre as a symbol of unity and work towards achieving this goal.
NATIONAL UNITY:
The Church, mindful of the multi-ethnic profile of Nigeria and its attendant problems urges the Federal Government to continue with policies that will further cement our unity as a nation devoid of tribalism and nepotism with the Church of Nigeria herself modelling same for the nation.
KILLER DISEASES:
The Synod commends the effort of the government in collaborating with other agencies in the fight against HIV/AIDS and calls on other stake-holders to throw their full weight and resources behind this titanic battle against this scourge of HIV/AIDS and adopt a holistic approach towards arresting the other fatal diseases such as Malaria, Diabetes, Tuberculosis, etc.
POVERTY ALLEVIATION:
The synod commends the effort of the government in putting up programmes for poverty alleviation, but observes with worry that efforts to make the poor benefit from the programme are hampered by uncontrollable inflation, the activities of economic middlemen, and saboteurs, and calls on the government to make the poverty alleviation what it ought to be.
RETURN OF SCHOOLS:
The Synod commends the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency, Chief Bola Tinubu for the return of Forty-Eight (48) Schools to their original owners and calls on other governors who have not done so, to follow this example in the interest of quality education and fair play/justice. The church views this matter as non-negotiable because at the time the schools were taken over by the government, it was confiscated with fiat and it would only be fair if this present civilian government takes the call for the return of these schools seriously and as a matter of right and not a privilege.
MEDIA INFLUENCE:
The Church commends the effort of the Information Technology and Nigeria Film Censorship Unit, for their efforts at dissemination of information, but observes with horror, the rate at which uncensored films and home videos penetrate/infiltrate our Television Networks, creating negative influence on the Young People. The church calls on parents, teachers and the government to rise against this threat of ethical bankruptcy and curb the evil influence of uncensored films.
SECURITY:
The Synod commends the efforts of the government in equipping law enforcement agencies to combat the social ills in the society, but decries the persistent upsurge in armed banditry and wanton destruction of lives and property. The church calls on every body to be vigilant, reporting suspicious elements to law enforcement agents, while urging the government to leave no stone unturned in the bid to protect the lives and properties of every citizen.
NATIONAL POLITICAL REFORMS CONFERENCE:
The Church commends the effort of the government to create a forum in which all the interest (ethnic) groups in Nigeria were able to talk frankly about the state of things and the future of this nation, and urges the government to put into effect those decisions arrived at during the Conference for justice and unity in the nation.
THE NATIONAL CENSUS:
The Church of Nigeria fully supports the intention to obtain a credible and accurate data for strategic planning and sustainable development of the country. The church is however of the view that the proposed exclusion of ethnic and religious data from the census will make a mockery of the exercise since we must have a complete statistical data about individual persons in Nigeria and about Nigeria.
Presently, tribe and religion are important criteria which attract greater consideration than merit for admission into educational institutions, recruitment, appointment and deployment of pubic officers, even in the provision and distribution of facilities.
The Synod do not see how the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which endpins the reflection of Federal Character can be transparently implemented without data on the tribe and religion of every Nigerian.
THE RUSH TOWARDS 2007:
The Church notes with alarm the gradual but steady heating up of the polity by the political class. A situation where public officers abandon their responsibilities, channelling every effort towards the 2007 elections, is as dangerous as it is counter productive. The Church calls on our politicians to learn to live one day at a time; and also to practice politics without bitterness; and understand that the future belongs to God and He alone guides our destiny.
CORRUPTION:
The Synod applauds the crusade against corruption being championed by His Excellency, President Olusegun Obasanjo, and calls on Mr President to beware of pandering to the seduction of Sacred Cows. The Synod recommends the establishment of an effective monitoring outfit for both the government and the private sectors with a view to stamping out this embarrassing menacing reputation.
NATIONAL ROAD NETWORK:
The Church commends the Federal Government for efforts in building new roads, but is worried that in spite of huge allocations of money for the construction and rehabilitations of roads by the Federal Government most roads in Nigeria have remained death traps. It therefore calls on the Presidency to urgently take necessary steps to ensure that our roads are improved upon. Again efforts should be made to monitor government agencies and/or establishments responsible for road construction and maintenance such as the Federal Ministry of Works, to ensure that money meant for the improvement of our road network are not diverted to private or other uses.
FUEL SITUATION:
The Synod notes with dismay the hardship to which Nigerians are subjected whenever the price of crude oil rises or falls in the international market. That the sixth oil-producing nation in the whole world still imports refined petroleum products is not only sad but also regrettable. The church furthermore frowns at the inability of the government to listen to the call and persuasions/appeals to rescind its decision to increase the pump price of petrol (the ninth since the inception of this administration) at such a difficult time makes the church feel very sad. The church therefore calls on the government to convince Nigerians especially the impoverished masses that this natural deposit is a blessing and not a curse to the people of this land.
While urging Nigerians to heed government’s appeal to make more sacrifices for the good of the nation, the church also calls on our government functionaries and public officers to do the same by watching their ostentatious life style.
IMMUNITY CLAUSE:
The Synod appreciates the wisdom of the Framers of our Constitution in providing immunity to our leaders. The Synod notes with dismay that this immunity clause seems to be blanket.
The public office holders who enjoy immunity under the constitution should live above board and appreciate that immunity from prosecution does not mean immunity from investigation.
When leaders are clearly living beyond their means, or where there is evidence of funds being transferred outside the State into foreign bank accounts, if the immunity clause should be called to their aid, it makes the whole idea ridiculous. The church therefore calls on all stake-holders in this nation to set in motion the Federal Government machinery to remove this “dubious cover” from all public office holders.
CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX DOCTRINE ON HUMAN SEXUALITY:
The Synod condemns the position the House of Bishops of the Church of England has taken regarding human sexuality which runs contrary to the decision taken at the All Primates Meetings, and commends the untiring effort of our Primate and other like-minded Primates for maintaining their stand on Christian orthodoxy, and calls on all doctrinally alert Anglican to stand up in defence of New Testament Christianity, as opposed to the revisionist theology of ECUSA, the Church of Canada and the Church of England.
OUR SYMPATHY:
The Church notes with deep sympathy, the unprecedented rate of natural and human disaster around the world especially the hurricane Katrina havoc in New Orleans; terrorists attack in London, flooding in Jalingo Nigeria, and other parts of the world, and expresses its condolences to the families of the victims, the government and people of the United States of America, United Kingdom, and others, and prays that God will save humanity such horrors.

Signed

The Most Rev’d Peter J. Akionla, CON, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria

Wednesday 14 September 2005

Anglican Archbishop of South East Asia lashes Western liberals

Anglican Archbishop of South East Asia lashes Western liberals

CONN/600905
Onitsha, Sept 14, 2005- ‘I am not going to let my pulpit get defiled by people who don’t accept the gospel.”
That was the blunt message conveyed on September 12, by the visiting Archbishop of South East Asia, Yong Ping Chung, when he addressed the plenary session of the 8th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
He was referring to a section of the Anglican Communion particularly the American and Canadian Churches and lately the Church of England, who condones and approves homosexual marriage.
Speaking on the topic ‘The Changing Phase of the Anglican Communion’ Archbishop Yong Ping Chung told Synod delegates that the Anglican Communion was in a mess because “we have lost the direction and we have listened to the lies of the devil.”
“I have no problem relating to your Archbishop, I think he is very orthodox. If you want to preach in my province I will allow you as long as you are from Nigeria. But if it is from America I have to check. Even from England now … I may have to check. I am not going to let my pulpit get defiled by people who don’t accept the gospel, he said. ”
Stating that the Western Church had derailed from the missionary movement of the 7th century, which was the vintage of the Anglican Communion, Yong Ping warned that ‘many churches have lost that vision especially those older Churches and they are persuading others to go the same way.”
Proffering a guide towards correcting the falsehood being perpetuated by pro-gay churches, the cleric identified ‘affirmation, foundation and mission’ as central to the restoration of the holistic gospel.
On affirmation, he said, “This is what God says to everyone who is faithful. It is God saying you are mine. We are all God’s people.”
The foundation is Jesus Christ, said the Archbishop who is also the Bishop of Sabah. He added, “God gave us his Son and it is in his Son we have our salvation and in what his Son taught, what is in the Holy Scriptures is all the truth contained.”
On mission, the Archbishop stated that unless one is drawn into a relationship with God, mission and evangelism is impossible. He therefore challenged Africa, South American and Asian Churches under the aegis of the Global-South of the Anglican Communion to lead the spiritual reawakening of the Church.
Ahead of the third meeting of the Global South meeting billed for Alexandria, Egypt in October, he stated that ‘South-South is not about homosexuals. South -South is about God, it is about mission, it is about what God can do through our people, using our people.”
He said, “The Global South will stand firm and articulate our real voice into that sinking ship of the Anglican Communion.”

Tuesday 13 September 2005

STATEMENT OF SOUTH/SOUTH CHAIRMAN CONCERNING THE 3RD SOUTH/SOUTH ENCOUNTER IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

STATEMENT OF SOUTH/SOUTH CHAIRMAN CONCERNING
THE 3RD SOUTH/SOUTH ENCOUNTER IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

As Anglican delegates from the Dioceses and Provinces of the South-South in the countries of Africa, Asia and South America gather in Egypt for the 3rd Encounter, we noticed a great deal of speculative journalism is in circulation and needs immediate correction.
The South/South Encounter is a gathering of like-minded Anglicans who come together to fellowship, pray, and study the Word of God. We gather to share our experiences, encourage one another and seek ways of deepening our relationship with God and between ourselves. The Encounter is not a business meeting concerned with power, politics and other such mundane things which easily distract from set goals and objectives.
A lot of the misinformation has been due to the figment of imagination of protagonist wishing to introduce alien ideas into our historic faith. Some even go as far as to suggest it is a power tussle affair. This pitiful reasoning is far from our minds as we do not seek such.
It is pertinent to state that we are not concerned with power as being published in the media. Our major concern is upholding the integrity and sanctity of the Word of God and the resolutions of the Lambeth Conference guiding the integrity of our common historic faith. Any person or Church disregarding or flouting these are the ones to do a rethink about their status within our worldwide Anglican family.
We encourage all delegates to come to Egypt prepared to fellowship in the presence of God.
Every blessing,

Signed:
The Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola, CON, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria

Akinola seeks probe of Works ministry

Akinola seeks probe of Works ministry
CONN/570905
Onitsha, Sept. 13, 2005- Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev Peter Akinola has called for the probing of the Federal ministry of works, to determine the accuracy of spurious claims being made by it on road construction in the country.
Addressing delegates on Monday in Onitsha at the formal opening session of the 8th General synod of the Church of Nigeria, Akinola said the deplorable state of road networks in the country demands urgent and decisive action.
He described the state of the roads as an embarrassment, which had resulted in the loss of many lives.
He listed the roads that have become harbingers of death to include the Gombe-Numan Yola, Port-Harcourt via Owerri, Abuja to Kano and Zaria to Sokoto.
Others are Abuja to Benin, Onitsha to Port Harcourt via Owerri; Enugu to Makurdi and Warri to Ughelli via Patani.
The Primate stated that he was speaking from experience having traveled the length and breadth of the country by road, during his pastoral visits to the dioceses in the Church.
He however singled out the Benin-Onitsha road as being state that ‘we all can be proud of’, but added that the same could not be said of the Sango-Ota- Abeokuta road.
“The Sango-Ota, Abeokuta road requires a special mention in the sense that the less than 100km road has been under construction for over 5 years with no visible completion and commissioning date in sight,” he said.
The Anglican Cleric then sounded a note of warning: “We would remind all those who have misappropriated or stolen the money meant for putting these roads in shape that they have human blood on their hands.”
Speaking on the immunity clause being enjoyed by some political office holders, Akinola, who is also President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called for the removal of the clause from the constitution.
Maintaining that public officers have abused the clause, he urged members of the civil society to support the campaign for the removal of the immunity clause.
The CAN President also used the occasion of his address to conference delegates attending the triennial meeting of the Church to reiterate the stance of the Christian community on the forthcoming National census.
“It is important that we have accurate results and a comprehensive analysis to support our plans for the future. Therefore we question the proposed exclusion of ethnic and religious data from the census since this will reduce the value of the analysis, he said.”
Akinola added: “We have all heard a number of spurious claims surrounding these sensitive issues - including the religious and ethnic data in the census would end these unsubstantiated speculations.”
Responding, Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State revealed that for the last 15 years the Federal government roads in Anambra state have not received any attention.
“ Since the inception of the present administration in 1999 only one Federal government road of 26 kilometers have been done in the State”, he said, adding, that the state government under his administration had tried to embark on construction and maintenance of roads to alleviate the plight of the people.
The Governor implored the Church Leaders to continue to uphold the nation in supplication to God, as that may seem the only panacea to the myriad of problems plaguing the country.
He commended the Church leadership for deeming it fit to host the triennial meeting in Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State

Women assume key positions as Anglicans elect new officers

Women assume key positions as Anglicans elect new officers
CONN/590905
Onitsha, Sept. 13, 2005-Even though the Church of Nigeria has put off “for now” the ordination of women as Priests, the women folk made a fundamental mark during the election of new officers into the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
At the ongoing 8th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria in Onitsha, 5 women were elected into key positions of the Church, in an election where the male majority determined the stakes.
Justice Titilola Mabogunje was elected Chairman of the House of Laity, while Dr. Mrs. Christie Toby, was elected by the Synod as the Lay Secretary.
Dr Mrs. Bridget Birabi joins the Most Rev Josiah Idowu Fearon (Archbishop of Kaduna) and Justice E. Ubaezuonu as elected representatives of the Church to the World Council of Churches (WCC).
Similarly, Barr (Mrs.) Dupe Olomolehin was elected to represent Nigeria in the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA). Other person’s elected in the group are the Rt. Rev Peter Adebiyi (Bishop of Lagos-West) and Ven. Caleb Udom.
The General synod also elected Barr Mrs. Ime Udom into the 8-member Committee of Reference made up of mostly members of the legal profession.
At the same election, the following were elected as representatives of the Church of Nigeria to the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC): the Rt. Rev Ikechi Nwosu, Ven. Dr. Abraham Okorie and the Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, Barr. Abraham Yisa.
Others officers elected at the election include Mr. Nnodum Aziagba, who returns as the treasurer while Prince Rufus Ekejiuba and Chief Ademola Otitoju were returned as Auditors.
Ven. Erastus Obilo, becomes the Prolocutor or the Chairman of the House of Clergy and the Rt. Rev Friday Imaehkai (Bishop of Esan) will serve as the Episcopal secretary.
All the offices are for a term of three years with an option of a second term.

Monday 12 September 2005

8TH GENERAL SYNOD OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA PRIMATE’S OPENING ADDRESS – 12TH SEPTEMBER 2005

8TH GENERAL SYNOD OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA
PRIMATE’S OPENING ADDRESS – 12TH SEPTEMBER 2005

My beloved brethren of
The House of Bishops,
The House of Laity,
The House of Clergy and
All the people of God here assembled.

Three eventful years have rolled past and, all too soon, we are here gathered again for the Eighth General Synod of our Church. It is with great joy that I bid all certified and accredited delegates welcome in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ.
I note with great delight that when we assembled in Ibadan for the Seventh General Synod, we were from seventy-eight dioceses spread across all the states of the Federation of Nigeria. Today, here gathered, we are ninety-three dioceses with the ninety-fourth just a few days away, that is, Ijebu North diocese, to be inaugurated on the 17th day of September 2005. This remarkable growth is a testimony to the effectiveness of the evangelistic work entrusted to this Church and demands that we all give glory to God for His faithfulness.
Let me quickly seize this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to the Rt. Revd. Ken Okeke and the entire people of the Diocese On the Niger for agreeing to host this meeting. I believe it is obvious to all that our general synod is now on a greater magnitude in this ancient city of Onitsha or better still, the 'ancient' Kingdom of Onitsha. This is no mean feat! I am confident that God who has given you the ability to honour His name in this magnificent way will honour you continually.
We also welcome the retired Bishops and Archbishops of this Church. We remain thankful to God Almighty for your faithfulness, love and support and the solid foundation that has been laid by our fathers. We pray that God will grant you many more years of fruitful and fulfilled life and "as your days, so may your strength be".
Unto all our friends, ecumenical partners and special invitees to this opening ceremony, we offer our warm embrace and welcome to our Synod.
May our bond of fellowship continue to grow stronger and may you enjoy divine blessing as you continue to witness to the transforming love of God.
We are grateful to the numerous representatives of various governments for their esteemed presence and for the honour done to the Church. We offer special thanks to His Royal Highness, the Obi of Onitsha and his entourage. May the kingdom of Onitsha in your time receive special favour and blessings of God Almighty.
Ladies and gentlemen of the media, we welcome you warmly. We appreciate your presence and pray that the truth of God will shine brightly through all of your efforts. Finally, we are grateful to all who have worked and are busy working behind the scenes for the success of this meeting. God has taken note of your labour of love and will recompense you bountifully. God bless you all.

Good people of God, this meeting gives us all an opportunity to reflect on the years gone past and to note the various challenges, opportunities that await us in the future. It is also time to give thanks for the manifold blessings of the Lord and we declare that indeed, "The LORD is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer; our God, our strength, in whom we will trust…" (Psalm. 18:2). God is challenging us at this synod to a critical review of our standing with Him especially regarding His expectations of us as individuals and His Church.
He is calling us to question as He focuses the strong beam of His searchlight on us. In the words of wisdom in Proverbs 3:3-4, God enjoins us:
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man".
Are we manifesting the Agape love of God and are we, in our Christian pilgrimage and stewardship, exhibiting faithfulness?
As you must have seen in the synod programme, our theme for this meeting is "THE BODY OF CHRIST". During our time together here, in our worship services, bible studies, group deliberations and plenary sessions, we will have the opportunity to reflect on this pivotal definition of God’s Church.
The Body of Christ is a powerful image for the church and highlights the importance of UNITY among believers; it also reminds us of the mystical union of the Godhead manifest in Jesus Christ.
In Genesis Chapter 1, the creator God speaks the word and the miracle of creation unfolds. The Gospel of John chapter 1 amplifies further:
"In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.”
And then in the magnificent words of Verse 14 we hear this amazing declaration;
"the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the father, full of grace and truth".
It is not possible to overstate the importance of the body of Christ for the believer. It not only points to - but is indeed part of redemptive work of salvation - the story of which the church proclaims and propagates. As the apostle Paul reminds us, it is at the heart of the affirmation made by Jesus on the night of the institution of the Eucharist:
"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you; the Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, This is my body which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way after supper, He took the cup saying, this cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."
(1 Cor 11:23-25)
Understanding the church as the body of Christ also reminds us of our inter-connectedness. We cannot function alone. Every part of the body serves and is served by every other part and together they form a union which, is indissoluble with Christ. This union changes individual believers and transforms him into the image of Christ. Paul articulates this bonding clearly with the working of the human body when he states:
"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ…1 Corinthians 12:12-27.
The Apostolic Church understood this and practiced it faithfully from the very beginning:
"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. Praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved". Acts 2:44-47.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions were his own, but they shared everything they had…there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time, those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Acts 4: 32, 34-35.
This is the practical way in which we, as members of Christ's Church, are to remain faithfully bonded in love.
As we often sing in one of my favourite hymns….

1. Faith of our fathers living still
In spite of dungeon, fire and sword
O how our hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word.

Refrain: Faith of our fathers! Holy faith!
We will be true to thee till death.

4. Faith of our fathers! We will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife
And preach thee, too, as love knows how
By kindly words and virtuous life.
Refrain:

But the question that we must ask is,
‘Are we faithful?’,
‘Are we continuing to uphold the faith of our Fathers?’
‘Are we a faithful reflection of the Body of Christ in our own day?’
Sadly in many places the Church of Jesus Christ has lost its way and become a tragic reflection of the decay and divisions in the larger society. Instead of bringing light into the darkness manifesting the agape love of Christ, too often it champions immorality, encourages hatred and even creates division based on ethnic and tribal differences.
Instead of demonstrating the power of reconciliation it promotes wickedness and injustice; instead of bringing healing through sacrificial love it arrogantly encourages greed and promotes selfish desire. Sadly, it has become very difficult, if not impossible; to see ourselves as the body of Christ that demonstrates mutual submission in the name of Christ.
One aspect of our own church life where we can most clearly see a big difference between our calling as the body of Christ following the example of the Apostles is in the manner in which we elect Bishops. This ought to be a divine- Holy Spirit- led activity; but too often it has been invaded by a number of mundane, secular and negative considerations such as parochialism, recriminations, ethnic and tribal manipulations and other unwholesome antics.
Sadly we are all aware of examples of this within our own Province. Indeed it was the memory of some of the more difficult moments in our life together over the past eight (8) years that prompted the theme for this Synod.
We have examples of our own brokenness in the Benin diocese crisis that lasted more than seven years and more recently the situation in the Warri Diocese. How can we claim to be sharing in the same body of Christ and yet be antagonistic to one another – even declaring ourselves to be irreconcilably divided. This makes nonsense of the Word of God.
In our constitution, chapter X, section 44, page 12, it is clearly stated, "A bishop for any diocese may be elected from among the bishops or clergy of any diocese in communion with the Church of Nigeria".
The founding fathers of this church who wrote this constitution must have had the unity of the Church uppermost in their minds.
But today, if the General Synod thinks otherwise, it can authorise a dramatic change to the clause in the constitution. This, however, would be a great disaster since it is the very opposite to God's intention for His Church.
We dare not travel in that direction instead we must beg for mercy. We must return to our roots and embrace the faith as handed down through the ages. We must see ourselves as essential parts of one body, each endowed by God to contribute and to complement the other as we move on in our Christian Pilgrimage.
The services and the bible study during this Synod Session should assist us to renew ourselves and discover the path to the heart of Jesus Christ as he prayed in John 17: 15-23:
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may truly be sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message. That all of them might be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me".
Our unity as the Body of Christ is not only a demonstration of our own faithfulness but also a testimony to God's faithfulness in sending His Son into the world. It is our highest calling!
Beloved in Christ, through the implementation of our Vision the Lord is doing a new thing in our Church. It is with joy and gratitude that we report highlights of major landmarks and events in the activities of our Church in the past three years.
Global Anglican Relations
We assumed leadership position as Chairman of Conference of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) in August 2003 and Chairman of the South-South Encounter of the Anglican Communion in September 2003 and also became the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in November 2003.
Clearly, as never before, there is a God-given opportunity for the Church of Nigeria today to exercise servant leadership in Africa and in the third world as a whole. We have seized this opportunity and have been able to uphold the integrity of the Gospel and preach a message of self-reliance under God around the world.
We have strengthened our links with Provinces in other parts of Africa and the global South. The result of this was the successful hosting of the first ever African Anglican Bishops' Conference (AABC) in October 2004. The conference was fully funded by the Church of Nigeria. Tickets were provided for over 50 bishops who could not afford the tickets. Meals and hotel accommodation were provided for all delegates at no cost to them. The theme of the conference, AFRICA COMES OF AGE, was clearly demonstrated. As at the end of the conference, links have been developed among Dioceses in Africa with the aim of supporting each other. The Church of Nigeria, for example, has already made a presentation of a Jeep to the Primate of the Church of Congo to assist the work of the Church in that Country. Before the end of this year, we hope to be able to send a missionary Bishop to Congo.
We have continued to challenged the revisionist agenda of the Provinces in the West as they attempt to twist the clear teaching of the Bible in matters of human sexuality. Our voice became really loud when Canon Jeffery John, an openly gay priest, was chosen to be Bishop of Reading in the Diocese of Oxford. Then came the approval of liturgy for same-sex marriage in Westminster, Canada and the sad climax being the consecration of Gene Robinson, who did not hide his intention to continue an active homosexual partnership, into Episcopal ministry in ECUSA.
As part of our initial response, a committee, set up by the House of Bishops articulated our views in a presentation titled "What We Believe About Human Sexuality".
This was posted on our website for the entire world to see. It reads in part: "Our position is not simply representative of the opinion of an insignificant minority and 'broadminded' scholars.
We are glad to identify ourselves with the company of godly people, both past and present, who have earnestly contended for the truth of the Scriptures and who are spread across many denominations and generations. We share the concern of all who want to do what is right in God's sight; and we continue to examine our own selves in the light of God's requirements and generous provision through the means of grace for our instruction."
A significant outcome of the current crisis has been the need to cater for the spiritual needs of thousands of Nigerian Anglicans in the USA who must not be abandoned to the vagaries of a confused ECUSA. At least three (3) teams of Bishops (including: The Most Rev. M.S.C. Anikwenwa, Rt. Rev. M. Owadayo, Rt. Rev. Peter Adebiyi, Rt. Rev. E. Chukwuma, Rt. Rev. H. Ndukuba, and Rt. Rev. Ikechi Nwosu) went to the US on our behalf to study the potentials for fruitful ministry and their reports have been a guiding light in further moves.
Also a considerable number of American Bishops and clergy have indicated a desire to collaborate with the mission of the Church of Nigeria's Mission to America known and called Convocation of Anglican Nigerian Missions in USA (CANA). Although we have under the laws of the USA incorporated CANA, it remains a vivid and constant reminder that the continued existence of the worldwide Anglican Communion rests on a very shaky foundation. We ask for the prayers of God's people.
Endowment Fund/Self Reliance
I extend grateful and enthusiastic thanks to all who have supported the endowment fund by contributing so generously. From the records, however, it is clear that some have refused to pay; some have failed to pay whilst some others cannot simply be bothered. A full report of the endowment fund is being presented to this Synod. Suffice it to say that we have followed through on the promise made at our presentation, in March 2000, that assessments will be progressively reduced and phased out. I am glad to say that from next year assessment will be at the token level of 10% of the level in the year 2000 when we assumed office as Primate.
With the significant shortfall in the endowment fund payments the National Church will regrettably have to tailor its programmes to available funds. It is pertinent to note that if we had paid as scheduled, we would have become a completely self-reliant Church by now.
One of the first casualties of non-payment of the endowment is our inability to fund the projected costs associated with Lambeth Conference 2008. Unfortunately those who have paid in their quota in full may be unjustifiably penalized.
Ecumenism/Interfaith
We continue to feature very promineintly at the leadership level of Ecumenical Organisations and pay our subscriptions promptly. The Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon completed his term as President of CCN last year. Most Rev. Dr. Rogers Uwadi of the Methodist Church took over with the Bishop of Egba Diocese, Rt. Rev. Oluremi Owadayo as Vice President. Our on-going dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian denominations continue to develop in a positive direction.
Our Director of Ecumenism, Duke Akamisoko was elected bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Zonkwa and has since been replaced by the Ven. Olusola Igbari.
A dramatic witness to the remarkable ecumenical climate in our nation and in our time is the completion of the Ecumenical Center in Abuja. This will surely become a House of Prayer for all people and is perhaps the only one of its kind any where in the world where all Christian denominations are able to gather to worship freely. You are all warmly invited to its service of Dedication on Sunday, October 2, 2005.
Communication
CrowtherNet continues to provide Internet services for the church and has succeeded in linking by e-mail some dioceses of the church with the computer servers in Abuja. The poor quality of cabled telecommunication infrastructure nationwide provided by Nitel is the main hindrance to the realization of nationwide connection. Our church website, www.anglican-nig.org continues to be one of Africa's most popular, most visited and most up-dated faith-based organisation website.
Crowther Radio operating from Abuja on FM 104.5 wave band continues to be the only Christian radio station in the area and is very popular in Abuja and its environs. You can support the station with adverts and programme sponsorships.
The League of Anglican Media Professionals (LAMP) is being revitalized. This body comprising of Anglicans in Media Organisations is expected to assist the positive projection of our church nationally.
Social Welfare
Our HIV/AIDS programme continues to provide support to hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS. Counselling, treatment and spiritual succour is provided by our churches. In partnership with donor Agencies and the National Action Committee on Aids (NACA), we have put together a strategic plan and policy on HIV/AIDS and implementation is co-ordinated at the diocesan level. Training has been conducted nationally for trainers to continue the training at diocesan and parish levels.
With the appointment of a national education adviser, Ms. Adeline Uwanaka and the Director of Social Welfare, Ven. Dr. Christian Ebisike, we are poised for better national co-ordination of our education initiatives and investments.
Mission and Evangelism
Mission is at the heart of what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ. Or as the eminent Swiss theologian Emil Brunner said, "The church exists by mission as fire exists by burning." Our mission initiative 1-1-1 was revised to become mission 1-1-3 in order to give more time for effective realization of the programme. A seven-point implementation plan was agreed at the Standing Committee meeting in Kaduna in March 2005. A monitoring procedure is being put in place to assist compliance at the diocesan level.
With the recent appointment of the Director of CNMS as Provost of the Cathedral Church of our Saviour in the Diocese of Ijebu, there is need for a new Director for Mission and Evangelism who will double as the Coordinator of the Church of Nigeria Missionary Society (CNMS).
Silver Jubilee Anniversary
The church held its 25th Anniversary (Silver Jubilee) celebration on February 24, 2004 This landmark was marked by the publication of the Silver Drums a compilation consisting of the pictures of the Bishops and their wives, the cathedral and a brief history of every diocese in the nation.
Ibru Centre
We finally got the Centre transferred to the Church and have begun the building of 60 room accommodation block to enhance the facilities available at the Retreat Centre. We thank Dioceses that have paid their contributions toward the project and urge those who are yet to pay to please do so in the course of this Synod because it is hoped that this project will be completed by November/December 2005 ahead of the 2006 retreat of the House of Bishops who are now joined by some bishops of the West African Province.
All Clergy Conference
The church successfully held a truly all clergy conference with about 6,000 clergy present at the University of Ibadan in August 2004. The gathering was truly fruitful, refreshing and rewarding.
Creation of New Dioceses
A total of sixteen (16) new dioceses were created namely: Okrika, Oyo, Ahoada, Ekiti-Oke, Kubwa, Idah, Arochukwu/Ohafia, Isiukwuato, Ikwuano, Ogoni, Badagry, Ogbomoso, Zonkwa, Western Izon, Aguata and Ijebu-North.
Translation of Bishops
Five bishops were translated: Rt. Rev. Caleb A Maduoma, Rt, Rev. Emmanuel Egbunu, Rt, Rev. Simon Bala, Rt. Rev. Christian Efobi, Rt. Rev. Daniel Yisa.
Election and Consecration of Bishops
A total of twenty-four new bishops were consecrated since the last Synod.
Retired Bishops
Church and State
We are grateful for the freedom and the opportunity that we have been given to serve as a witness to Jesus Christ at the national and international level. However, along with freedom comes responsibility and we dare not remain silent about a number of pressing issues:
Road Network
The deplorable general state of disrepair into which the road networks of our nation have sunk demands urgent and decisive action.
Travelling through the country in recent times, you discover such roads as: Gombe Numan Yola; Abuja Kano; Zaria Sokoto; Abuja Benin; Ore Benin; Onitsha Port Harcourt via Owerri; Enugu Makurdi; Warri Ughelli Patani - Port Harcourt roads that are in deplorable condition.
This affects all of us. Only Benin Onitsha is in a state that we all can be proud of. The Sango-Ota, Abeokuta road requires a special mention in the sense that the less than 100km road has been under construction for over 5 years with no visible completion and commissioning date in sight.
This is not only an embarrassment but it has resulted in the loss of many lives. We would remind all those who have misappropriated or stolen the money meant for putting these roads in shape that they have human blood on their hands!
We urge the Presidency to put its powerful searchlight on the ministry of works to determine the acuracy of the claims being made by the ministry concerning road works in the country. From the grape vine we now gather that much of the money meant for the construction of roads is being siphoned for political project 2007.
Immunity Clause
To be a leader in our nation demands transparent honesty. We urge the National Assembly and the Presidency to urgently revisit this issue with a view to removing this clause from our constitution. Immunity is important when it relates to frivolous allegations and mischievous petitions aimed at sabotaging good governance, peace and justice.
However, where a leader is clearly seen to be living above his income, and funds collected from all sources are not being reflected in the state and federal coffers, OR, where there is clear evidence of funds being transferred outside the state into foreign bank accounts; immunity for such leaders become ridiculous and a clear enemy to our nation's growth and development.
We urge all stakeholders in this nation student organisations, organized labour, the media, and religious organisations to support this call to remove this 'dubious cover' from these public officers who are no better than common thieves, such that they be made accountable for their outrageous behavior.
Census
On the forthcoming census, we fully support the intention to obtain a credible and accurate data for sustainable and effective development of the country. It is important that we have accurate results and a comprehensive analysis to support our plans for the future. Therefore we question the proposed exclusion of ethnic and religious data from the census since this will reduce the value of the analysis. We have all heard a number of spurious claims surrounding these sensitive issues - including the religious and ethnic data in the census would end these unsubstantiated speculations.
Content of films/programmes
Recently, there has been an alarming growth in programmes on our television that promote sexual laxity and permissiveness in the name of entertainment. This comes at a time when we all recognize the importance of strengthening family life and the need to protect our children from the ungodly influences from the so-called developed world. This calls for responsibility and careful judgment from those who choose these films and programmes. There is no question that their choices can have a profoundly negative impact upon the sexual attitudes of our young people and add to the rising tide of moral decadence.
We therefore call on those who oversee our television networks to ensure that they strengthen our national life and not destroy it. Since this is a vital concern for all communities of faith we propose that representatives of CAN and JNI be included in this effort.
Return of Schools
It is high time that schools are returned to their original owners, not as a favour but as a right because clearly government cannot single-handedly cope with all of the educational requirements within the country especially with regards to the maintaining a consistent morality content.
Politics
It is without question that all will benefit from an improvement in the political climate within our nation. The current political climate is too often characterized by bitterness and personal attacks. It requires serious attention and a new emphasis on civility and maintaining a Godly disposition.
We are grateful to God, however, for the achievements that have been made under a democratic setting and congratulate our federal government leadership in the bold reform measures being undertaken. It is imperative, however, to urgently address the worsening economic conditions of the ordinary men and women in our nation.
Corruption
We thank God for what has so far been done in fighting corruption in this country. It has had a positive effect on the reputation of our nation around the world. However, we are quick to add that not enough has yet been done until those who have been found to be corrupt are identified and promptly prosecuted. Too often, justice delayed is justice denied, and so we urge government on in this fight that must be won for the future of our nation.
The world at large:
Apostolic, historic, time tested and highly valued beliefs are not only being challenged, distorted they are being replaced by half truths and in many cases with outright falsehood.
Britain has joined its brethren in the 'Civilised West' to legitimise civil partnerships which to us simply means same sex marriages. They are also debating putting a ban on public preaching because it offends Moslem minorities! Britain has of course made Sunday a working day.
Global economic realities continue to dictate the policy of survival of the fittest, thereby widening the gulf between the haves and have-nots.
Military adventurism of the duo of USA/UK make life so uncertain in the most vulnerable parts of the world.
Natural disasters of unknown proportions in contemporary history: in the form of Tsunami in Asia and parts of Africa; hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Lousiana, USA, severe drought in Portugal are ravaging and taking large toll of human life away from the world at such an alarming rate as to suggest that perhaps the eschaton/parousia is at last at hand.. Matt 24.
HIV and AIDS remain the deadliest and fastest killer in the developing world, snuffing out life of able bodied men and women in their prime and most productive age-indeed wiping out whole communities.
Terrorist attacks have not abated. Kenya, USA and lately UK have had a raw deal from terrorism. Tax payers money being spent to combat this evil is more than double the entire african annual budget.
Now I ask, is God unaware of all these? Can anything happen in his world without his knowledge, and does God approve of them?
What is God, in all of these catastrophes, saying to his Church and to his world.. to the Church alive to its responsibilities or is fast asleep?
Obituary
Sir Steven Giwa-Amu, Most Revd. A. A. Agbaje, Most Revd. B. C. Nwankiti (Retired Dean).
Conclusion
Beloved in Christ Jesus, let us hearken to the voice of the Lord calling us to reconsider our ways and to make deliberate and determined effort to have a change of hearts. Let us stop all activities that will dishonour the Body of Christ. If we allow Godly intervention in our affairs as a Church His promise is sure. He will heal our divisions and make His Church great. God bless our time together here in this city of Onitsha.


The Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola, CON, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria