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.
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.
