EPISCOPAL SYNOD HELD AT ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH WUSE ZONE 5,

EPISCOPAL SYNOD HELD AT ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH WUSE ZONE 5,
ABUJA FROM TUESDAY 27- WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE, 2006
COMMUNIQUÉ
The Episcopal Synod of the Church of Nigeria met under God at All Saints' church Abuja from 27th - 28th June 2006 with His Grace, The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola, CON, DD, Archbishop, Primate and Metropolitan of All Nigeria presiding. After sessions of deliberations on issues affecting both the Church and Society, the Synod under the guidance of the Holy Spirit issued this Communiqué.
I. 1. CONGRATULATIONS
Synod notes with satisfaction the efforts of the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), His Grace, The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola, in giving the Church of Nigeria, (CAPA and Global South a purposeful and effective leadership. It further expresses its approval of his actions and pronouncements against errors of revisionist ideologies. With much delight and enthusiasm, Synod received his citing by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 persons that shaped the World in 2005, and encouraged him not to relent in his efforts in exercising his ministry.
2. 2. THE ANGLICAN COVENANT
Synod is satisfied with the move by the Global South to continue with its veritable project of defending the faith committed to us against present onslaught from ECUSA, Canada, England and their allies. The need therefore, to redefine and/or re-determine those who are truly Anglicans becomes urgent, imperative and compelling. Synod therefore empowers the leadership of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) to give assent to the Anglican Covenant.
3. 3. THE LAMBETH CONFERENCE
The Lambeth Conference which is one of the accepted organs of unity in the Anglican Communion is due for another meeting in 2008. the Synod, after reviewing some recent major events in the Communion, especially the effects of the ‘revisionists’ theology’, which is now making wave in America, Canada and England, observed with dismay the inability of the Church in the afore­mentioned areas to see reason for repentance from the harm and stress they have caused this communion since 1988 culminating in the consecration of Gene Robinson, a practicing homosexual in 2003 as a bishop in ECUSA. Synod also regrets the inability of the See of Canterbury to prevent further impairment of the unity of the Church. It therefore, believes strongly that the moral justification for the proposed Lambeth Conference of 2008 is questionable in view of the fact that by promoting teachings and practices that are alien and inimical to the historic formularies of the Church, the Bishops of ECUSA, Canada and parts of Britain have abandoned the Biblical faith of our fathers.
4. 4. GLOBAL SOUTH CONFERENCE
Synod underlines the need for maintaining the age-long tradition of a ten-yearly Conference of Bishops in the Anglican Communion for discussing issues affecting the Church. It therefore calls on the leadership of the Global South and Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA) to do everything necessary to put in place a Conference of all Anglican Bishops to hold in 2008 should all efforts to get the apostles of ‘revisionist agenda’ to repent and retrace their steps fail.
5. 5. THE SO-CALLED RELIGIOUS RIOTS
Synod is worried that months after the mayhem unleashed on the nation in February 2006 by criminals, murderers and arsonists hiding under the cloak of religion, no one has been brought to book neither any compensation paid for the properties especially churches destroyed and lives lost in the riots. It therefore, calls on the Governments of the land to take urgent steps to prosecute these enemies of mankind and pay necessary compensations in order to restore the confidence that every Nigerian is protected any where in this nation.
6. 6. HIV/AIDS SCOURGE
Synod continues to note with concern the ravaging effects of HJV/AIDS and the threat it is posing to human society. More worrisome is the mismanagement of funds meant for prosecution of the war against this scourge in Nigeria; leading to the de-listing of Nigeria by foreign Donor Agencies. While noting the efforts of Church in the HIV/AIDS Programme, it calls on all Dioceses and Churches to be actively involved in this project with a view to ensuring that this ugly monster does not further endanger the lives for which Christ died.
7. 7. ISLAM AND MINORITY RIGHTS
While noting the spread of Islam in hitherto predominantly Christian cities, especially in Europe and America, and their insistence on minority rights, Synod is worried that this same Muslims have refused to allow people of other faiths into their (Muslim dominated) areas to enjoy such rights. It therefore calls on our Muslim brothers in the spirit of reciprocity to have a change of attitude and put an end to intolerance and hostilities to Christians all over the world.
8. 8. 2007 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA
Synod is happy that the processes leading to the general elections in Nigeria come 2007 are on course. While underscoring the need for emergence of credible, committed and patriotic leaders for the nation, it calls on all Christians to actively participate in all electoral processes to forestall a situation where e lections are used to recycle past leaders. Synod further enjoins the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a very high degree of transparency in all elections slated for 2007, so as to avoid the ugly consequences of any electoral result that did not truly reflect the wishes and aspirations of the electorate. While calling for a truly independent judiciary, the synod insists that all petitions arising from the forthcoming general elections should be handled with dispatch in the spirit of justice, equity and fair play.
Signed
The Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola, CON, D.D.

Priesthood not an all-comers-affair, says Akinola

Priesthood not an all-comers-affair, says Akinola

Abuja, June 26, 2006- The Priesthood in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is not an all-comers-affair.
This assertion was made Sunday in Abuja by the Primate of the Anglican Church, the Most Rev Peter Akinola while presiding at the ordination of three deacons and four priests at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Gwarinpa.
Akinola said the Church was looking for well trained pastors who would breach the shortage of manpower in the diocese of Abuja, in order to achieve the evangelism mission project of the Church to double its present 19 million population in the country.
The Primate’s son, Emmanuel Akinola, 23, was among the newly ordained deacons and the leader of the Anglican Church used the occasion to expressed joy for having the priviledge to preside over the ordination of his last child, in a family of six.
He remarked that upon retirement- few years from now - there would be a lineage to continue the order of priesthood in his family.
He invited other members of the Church to take advantage of the Diocesan Training School for lay theology in Abuja towards recruiting more personnel for the church.
Earlier in a sermon, Ven Fred Nyanabo identified patience, endurance, discipline and the pursuit of righteousness as indispensable virtues of priesthood.
Addressing the newly ordained, Nyanabo reminded them to take heed of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ all the time.
He warned that it will be suicidal for them to be preoccupied with the pursuit of mundane things.
Ven. Nyanabo, who is the Administrative assistant to the Primate, asked the new priests to see themselves as evangelists called to increase the population of members of God’s kingdom.
He emphasized the place of discipline in the ministry of the clergy and cautioned against playing to the gallery to impress parishioners.

Priesthood not an all-comers-affair, says Akinola

Priesthood not an all-comers-affair, says Akinola

Abuja, June 26, 2006- The Priesthood in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is not an all-comers-affair.
This assertion was made Sunday in Abuja by the Primate of the Anglican Church, the Most Rev Peter Akinola while presiding at the ordination of three deacons and four priests at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Gwarinpa.
Akinola said the Church was looking for well trained pastors who would breach the shortage of manpower in the diocese of Abuja, in order to achieve the evangelism mission project of the Church to double its present 19 million population in the country.
The Primate’s son, Emmanuel Akinola, 23, was among the newly ordained deacons and the leader of the Anglican Church used the occasion to expressed joy for having the priviledge to preside over the ordination of his last child, in a family of six.
He remarked that upon retirement- few years from now - there would be a lineage to continue the order of priesthood in his family.
He invited other members of the Church to take advantage of the Diocesan Training School for lay theology in Abuja towards recruiting more personnel for the church.
Earlier in a sermon, Ven Fred Nyanabo identified patience, endurance, discipline and the pursuit of righteousness as indispensable virtues of priesthood.
Addressing the newly ordained, Nyanabo reminded them to take heed of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ all the time.
He warned that it will be suicidal for them to be preoccupied with the pursuit of mundane things.
Ven. Nyanabo, who is the Administrative assistant to the Primate, asked the new priests to see themselves as evangelists called to increase the population of members of God’s kingdom.
He emphasized the place of discipline in the ministry of the clergy and cautioned against playing to the gallery to impress parishioners.

1st Anglican National Conference holds this week

1st Anglican National Conference holds this week

Abuja, June 26, 2006- Hundreds of Anglican delegates will this Wednesday gather in Abuja, to launch the 1st National Conference of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and discuss how to build the welfare of the nation.
The three day conference, with the theme ‘Welfare of the Nigerian Nation: Role of the Anglican Communion in Nation Building’ will be declared open on Thursday by the Primate, The Most Rev Peter Akinola.
Delegates will listen to and discuss papers presented on the role of the Church in education, political development and economic development.
The conference will also address the role of the church in health, unity of the country, legal development and youth participation.
Dignitaries expected at the event include past Head of States of the nation, including Chief Ernest Shoneken, who will present a paper, members of the National assembly, civil and trade union leaders, the academia and a host of others.
According to Justice Karibi Whyte, Chairman of the Planning Committee, the outcome of the conference would be published and circulated widely through the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA), NEPAD and African Union.
Meanwhile, the meeting of the House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), otherwise known as the Episcopal Synod begins Monday in Abuja. Over 90 bishops are expected at the two-day meet.
The Bishops are expected to join other delegates for the National conference.
Meanwhile, the League of Anglican Media Professionals (LAMP) has concluded plans to publish a daily conference Newsletter.
According to the Editor of the conference daily and Deputy Editor News Agency of Nigeria, Chief Ike Mbonu, The Nigerian Conference Anglican Daily, will carry news on the day to day proceedings at the Conference with eye-catching images.
It will also feature interviews, opinions and some digest from around the 94 dioceses in Nigeria.

For Immediate Release: ELECTION OF BISHOPS

For Immediate Release: ELECTION OF BISHOPS

The Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev Peter Akinola has announced the election of new Bishops in the Church of Nigeria.
The election was conducted at the Episcopal Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), which met on Wednesday, June 28 2006, at All Saints Church Wuse Abuja.
The Bishops-elect are:
Ø The Rev Canon Christian Ideh, of Igbudu Christian Centre, Emevor, for the Diocese of Warri.
Ø The Venerable Musa Tula, of St Stephen’s Anglican Church Wange-Tula, Gombe State, for the Diocese of Bauchi.
Ø The Very Rev Adebayo Akinde, of the Cathedral of St Peter Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the newly created Diocese of Lagos Mainland. The inauguration of the diocese will come up in August.
Ø The Rev Canon Martyn Minns of Truro Parish in Virginia, USA was also elected Bishop in the Church of Nigeria for the missionary initiative of the Church of Nigeria called Convocation of Anglican Churches in North America (CANA).
The Episcopal Synod also decided to elect the Rt. Rev Simon Mutum of the Diocese of Jalingo as Bishop for non-geographic nomadic mission.
The consecration of the Bishops-elect will be announced later.

Re: THE CHALLENGE AND HOPE OF BEING ANGLICAN TODAY

Re: THE CHALLENGE AND HOPE OF BEING ANGLICAN TODAY
A RESPONSE FROM THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA

We have received from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, what must be the outcome of in-depth personal reflection on the un-abating tempest of divergent opinions that have continued to rock the worldwide Anglican Communion in recent years.
It is unlikely that anyone who holds our historic worldwide Communion and its leadership, close to heart, and in prayer will fail to grasp the tensions that the Archbishop wrestles with in an attempt to hold together a fragile Communion that is threatened by the real possibility of disintegration and fragmentation.
No one can assume that there are easy answers – and perhaps that is the crux of the problem facing the leadership of our Communion. The issue at stake is not just a crisis of identity, but also a shopping for palatable answers in a situation of contending convictions and shifting values. The dilemma, and therefore the challenge is whether to revisit the old paths of our forbears or to fashion out a novel establishment that is elastic enough to accommodate all the extremes of preferred modes of expression of the same faith.
His analysis of the situation is quite lucid, and the liberal and post-modern tilt of some interpretations is apparent. But we must commend the fact that it appears we have finally come to that point of admitting that we are truly at crossroads as a Communion and the time to decide on the way forward can no longer be wished away. The mere fact that the Archbishop of Canterbury now proposes a two-tier membership for the Anglican Communion is his acceptance that the wound caused by the revisionists has become difficult, if not impossible, to heal. The idea of a Covenant that would ensure this two-tier membership of ‘Constituent Churches’ and ‘Churches in Association’ is brilliant as the heartbeat of a leader who wants to preserve the unity of the Church by accommodating every shred of opinion no matter how unbiblical, all because we want to make everyone feel at home.
The Archbishop submits that “there is no way the Anglican Communion can remain unchanged by what is happening at the moment.” That is a fact of our human existence. But is this not the time for our Communion to take to heart the instructive lines from Henry Francis Lyte in our treasury of hymns, “Change and decay in all around I see; Oh Thou who changest not, abide with me”? Is this not indeed the time for us to hush our hearts and meditate on the significance of the request of the early disciples on the road to Emmaus, “Abide with us, [they said,] for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent”? (Luke 24:29). Should the encircling gloom around us not make us ponder on the words of our Lord, "You are the salt of the earth… if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men” (Matthew 5:13)? That we must change is without contention, but should we not change for the better – as redeemed, reconciled and transformed people of God who have a witness to a lost and broken world?
Archbishop Rowan candidly observes that our Anglican Decision-Making “lacks a set of adequately developed structures which is able to cope with the diversity of views that will inevitably arise in a world of rapid global communication and huge cultural variety” and that we need to be clear about certain age-old assumptions to be sure we are “still talking the same language, “aware of belonging to the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Christ”. He goes on to highlight some of the “fault lines of division.” He boldly puts the blame at the door of the Episcopal Church where there had been no agreement or any kind of consensus – whether in the Episcopal Church itself or in the global Communion – before the ordination of Gene Robinson was undertaken. It is noteworthy also that he remarks that “the recent resolutions of the General Convention have not produced a complete response to the challenges of the Windsor Report…” One wonders if such blatant disregard should not be reprimanded.
The Archbishop says we “have tried to be a family of Churches willing to learn from each other across cultural divides, not assuming that European (or American or African) wisdom is what settles everything, opening up the lives of Christians here to the realities of Christian experience everywhere”. He then goes on to suggest that the genuine concerns expressed about orthodoxy and the need to contend for the faith once entrusted to the saints, have made the debate harder, and “reinforced the lines of division and led to enormous amounts of energy going into ‘political’ struggle (!) with and between churches in different parts of the world.” The idea that these genuine concerns have degenerated to the “politicization of a theological dispute” instead of “reasoned debate” is very sadly patronizing. One would have expected that those who had embarked on this religious misadventure would be encouraged to judge their actions against our well-established historic tradition.

Youth synod calls for overhaul of seminaries

Youth synod calls for overhaul of seminaries

Kaduna, June 23, 2006- Delegates who attended the first Youth Synod of the diocese of Kaduna (Anglican Communion) have asked for a complete overhaul of the church seminaries, with a view to providing theological education that would make ‘the clergy relevant to the society'.
This recommendation was contained in a communiqué issued last Sunday at the end of the Synod held at Christ Anglican Church Kaduna.
The synod, which had youths aged 15- 40, demanded for theological education that would make ‘the clergy relevant to the society.’ They also want the clergy to lay more emphasis on the teaching and doctrine of Anglicanism.
Their decision was informed by the mass exodus of youths from the Anglican Church, following varied reasons, ranging from doctrine to poaching by new generation church.
Speaking further on the mass exodus, the communiqué expressed confidence in the efforts being made by the leadership of the church to address the issue.
Citing the introduction of youth or teenage services in some churches, which encourages youth participation in formal church service, the delegates advised that Anglican worship, liturgy, and doctrine should be made adaptable to the yearnings of young people.
Also, the synod complained of ``the poor welfare package of church workers", particularly the clergymen and appealed to the Church to consider an upward review of the remuneration of church workers.
The delegates described as disturbing the trend of rejection of church workers posted to some communities on account of sentiments.
While condemning the trend and imploring youths to steer clear from such controversies, the synod advised the clergy to make their ministry more adaptable wherever they were posted.
On the nation, the synod whose theme was O Lord, In Your Mercy, Transform Our Diocese, called on young people to shun thuggery as the run-up to the 2007 polls gather momentum.
It warned of the resurgence of ethnic militias, with young people at the centre of operations. Youths were encouraged to resist being used as agents of destruction.
While appealing to the government to urgently address the issues that made young people willful members of militia groups, the communiqué encouraged the youth to build up their faith in God and strive to be law abiding citizens.
Dignitaries at the event include The Archbishop of Kaduna province and Bishop of Kaduna, the Most Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, some members of the clergy in the diocese including the Youth Chaplain, The Rev. Canon Ben Idume, who presided the meeting.

Archbishop seeks more roles for women

Archbishop seeks more roles for women

Kaduna, June 23, 2006- Archbishop of Kaduna province and Bishop of Kaduna diocese (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev Josiah Idowu-Fearon has called for more participation of women in the decision making process of the Church.
Speaking at the 1st Youth synod of his diocese, which ended Sunday in Kaduna, Idowu-Feraon complained at the number of women (girls) delegates at the meeting.
Commenting on the imbalance of gender representation at the opening session of the meeting, 38-8, the Archbishop remarked, ‘I can see that in our diocese there are no girls, there are just boys, and the ratio is very poor.’
“In this diocese we try as much as possible to carry both men and women along. We do not accept this division in the church where women are not given enough roles to play.”
“Because young people are the future church I want to encourage you that when you want representation from the various congregation always insist that the girls are not left behind,” he said.
Fearon explained that the in the diocese in the Kaduna, women were more involved in most of the activities. ‘They create time to see that the work of the gospel is not restricted.’
He cited the Jakaranda project, a multi-million farm project, which the women single handedly revived.
According to him the pottery (Jakarnda project) was completely dead when the church acquired it. The women came and said ‘bishop give it to us’ and at present ‘they have invested over N1 million without taking any loan from the diocese.’
The Archbishop extolled the women for re-organizing the place and making it viable for the diocese.
In his discussion of the theme of the Youth Synod, ‘O Lord in Your Mercy Transform Your Diocese’, Fearon identified the youth, women and politicians, as three fundamental groups that hold sway in the process of transformation.
He argued that transformation is a Christian concept. “It means to look at a situation, and get that situation to its maximum use,” he said and added ‘the implication of this to the church is that both young and old needs transformation.’
“Everyone is born in sin. God formed us. Satan deformed us. And Jesus Christ transforms us. There cannot be any transformation outside Jesus the Christ,” Idowu-Fearon said.
He challenged the youths to try and transform the older people for ‘they are already fixed in their ways.’
Earlier, the Youth Chaplain, The Rev Canon Ben Idume, whose church hosted the 2-day synod, stated that the ideas and recommendations of the youths will engage various discussions of the diocesan synod, which begins next week.
He charged the youths to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the church and affirm their participation in the decision making progress of the diocese.
He stressed the need for the youth to lead the campaign against political violence by maintaining a Christian image during the forthcoming electioneering campaign.

An Open Letter to the Episcopal Church USA - from CAPA

An Open Letter to the Episcopal Church USA - from CAPA
We, the Primates of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA), meeting in Kampala on 21st – 22nd June, have followed with great interest your meeting of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA in Columbus. We have been especially concerned by the development of your response to The Windsor Report, which has been reported to us quite extensively. This is something for which we have earnestly prayed. We are, however, saddened that the reports to date of your elections and actions suggest that you are unable to embrace the essential recommendations of the Windsor Report and the 2005 Primates Communiqué necessary for the healing of our divisions. At the same time, we welcome the various expressions of affection for the life and work of the Anglican Communion.
We have been moved by your generosity as you have rededicated yourselves to meet the needs of the poor throughout the world, especially through your commitment to the Millennium Development Goals.
We have observed the commitment shown by your church to the full participation of people in same gender sexual relationships in civic life, church life and leadership. We have noted the many affirmations of this throughout the Convention. As you know, our Churches cannot reconcile this with the teaching on marriage set out in the Holy Scriptures and repeatedly affirmed throughout the Anglican Communion. All four Instruments of Unity in the Anglican Communion advised you against taking and continuing these commitments and actions prior to your General Convention in 2003.
At our meeting in Kampala we have committed ourselves to study very carefully all of your various actions and statements. When we meet with other Primates from the Global South in September, we shall present our concerted pastoral and structural response.
We assure all those Scripturally faithful dioceses and congregations alienated and marginalized within your Provincial structure that we have heard their cries. In Christ, The Most Rev. Peter Akinola, on behalf of CAPA Chairman, CAPA