Interview: Nathaniel Godwin Ogugua
CONN/220405
The New National President of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nigeria) is in upbeat mood as he assumes the leadership of the youth ministry in Nigeria.
At 50, Nathaniel has been a member of the AYF since age 12. He has served as the 3rd National Vice President of the Fellowship and the zonal leader in the Northern part of Nigeria. He was Diocese of Minna Youth President for six years.
His long years of leadership taught him that youths have the fervour to ignite revival in the church.
But the revival is being short-changed by the influx of social activities in youth fellowships.
Now, he believes it is time to bring back the message of the gospel to the Nigerian youth.
Falling standards
In an interview with Church of Nigeria News (CONN), he expressed concern over the falling standard of youth fellowships in the Church.
According to him the concern for social activities in the church is taking preeminence rather than spiritual matters.
Something urgent must be done to ensure that the youth ministry particularly in the Anglican Church is not corrupted by emphasis on the mundane.
The AYF (Nigeria) was founded in 1947 by Archbishop Gordon Vinning, then the Bishop of Lagos and the Archbishop of West Africa.
The association caters for the welfare of young people in the church and encourages their participation in evangelism and Christian stewardship.
However, the Youth Leader is worried that the enhancement of these objectives is being hampered by many problems associated with the youths and the society at large.
Knowledge of Christ
Asked on how he intends to revive the youth group, he said the major thrust of his administration would be to bring young Anglicans to the knowledge of Christ and to ensure unity of the brethren.
Already a retreat and a leadership seminar has been held for all elected National officers of the fellowship and the President is optimistic that the mentoring will continue until the `mission is fulfilled. ’
There are about 17.5 million Anglicans in Nigeria and the youths constitute over 60 per cent of this number.
Every year a National Bible Study conference is organized under the auspices of the Anglican Youth Fellowship with a sole aim of raising knowledgeable Christians.
Mr. Nathaniel argues that the Bible Conference as it is has become a rendezvous of a sort where the interest on merchandize and selling of wares is taking the shine out of the conference.
`` This has to stop in Owerri 2005. We must effect changes in our National Bible study programme. It must be bible based and bible
teaching centered.’’ The theme for this year is ``God Go with Us’’.
Young people and the future of the church
On issues concerning the National church, the Youth leader is excited on the election of more young clergy- those below the age of 40- into the House of Bishops.
``The AYF is a training ground for young Anglicans who intend to join the fully ordained ministry. We are happy that even in the House of Bishops we have those who benefited from this youth ministry.
The vision of the Church of Nigeria to double its 17-million population by 2007 would be very much supported by the youths.
``However we want to advise the church to look inward and ensure that more quality workers are recruited to manage the massive church planting being undertaken at diocesan and parish levels.’’
Mr. Nathaniel is among the six delegates of the Church of Nigeria to the forthcoming South-South encounter scheduled for Egypt. The encounter is expected to play a major role in shaping deliberations at the 2008 Lambeth Conference.
Tuesday, 10 May 2005
Sunday, 8 May 2005
A LETTER FROM THE PRIMATE OF ALL NIGERIA TO THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA
A LETTER FROM THE PRIMATE OF ALL NIGERIA TO THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA
My sisters and brothers:
Greetings in the name of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I am grateful for our fellowship in the Gospel during these difficult days within the worldwide Anglican Communion and I am still rejoicing at the memory of our time together in Kaduna. I am also thankful that while we are all engaged in many different expressions of practical concern for the poor and the oppressed at home and abroad we share a common commitment to the primary mission of the Church, which is to proclaim redemption from sin and the promise of life eternal through faith in Jesus Christ.
I now write to you in response to the recent Covenant statement from ECUSA’s House of Bishops during their spring meeting in Camp Allen, Texas and also because there have been a number of misleading reports about the recent Primates’ meeting in Northern Ireland.
While the statement issued by ECUSA’s House of Bishops expressed a desire to remain in the life and mission of the Anglican Communion, I was disappointed that the only regret offered was for their failure to consult and the effect of their actions instead of an admission that what they have done has offended God and His Church. As was pointed out in the Primates Communiqué issued in February ‘the underlying reality of our communion in God the Holy Trinity is obscured, and the effectiveness of our common mission severely hindered.” ECUSA has yet to grasp this reality and still appears to be chasing shadows. Until this is recognized there can be no hope of meaningful reconciliation.
The statement answered the call for a moratorium with regard to the ordinations of non-celibate homosexuals with a pledge to withhold consent to the consecration of any bishop until 2006 – I find this response to be disingenuous since it holds the entire church to ransom for the sin of a few. While they have claimed to answer the call for moratorium on the blessing of same-sex unions we know that there are Dioceses where the clergy are still continuing the practice of blessing same-sex partnerships with the Bishops’ explicit permission. I find this duplicitous and I would point out that the underlying issue is not a temporary cessation of these practices but a decision to renounce them and demonstrate a willing embrace of the same teaching on matters of sexual morality as is generally accepted throughout the Communion and described in Lambeth Resolution 1.10.
With regard to the Primates meeting in Ireland I find it highly offensive to hear claims that a group of us were influenced by external forces into taking stands that we would not otherwise have taken. There is absolutely no merit to these claims and I am saddened that there are those who wish to perpetuate this malevolent falsehood. Our actions and agreements were the result of prayerful deliberation and principled conviction. The idea that orthodox Americans manipulated us is an insult – in truth we in the Global South have been challenging them to stand firm. And there were a number of us who felt that the recommendations did not go far enough but out of respect for the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury we were willing to leave space for serious reflection and genuine repentance.
I was appalled by statements claiming that the devil was wandering the halls of the Dromantine Retreat Center – perhaps those who make such observations should first look within themselves before they accuse others. Many of us believe that what we achieved in our time together was due to the work of God’s Holy Spirit and to claim otherwise is blasphemous.
I have noted with disappointment that there are those in ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada who are suggesting that these Provinces should defy the Primates’ request that they voluntarily withdraw their members from the next meetings of the Anglican Consultative Council. I would urge the appointed leadership of these Provinces to weigh seriously the consequences of such actions if indeed there is to be any hope of the reconciliation and healing that we all seek. Moreover I believe that it is an accurate sense of our meeting to say that the Primates do not expect ECUSA and the Canadian church to participate in ANY of the structures of the Communion until they have chosen to respect the mind of the Communion. Until they decide to return - something for which we earnestly pray – the sad truth is that they have walked away from the Communion.
Finally, I need to address the important matter of provincial and diocesan boundaries. As I have repeatedly reaffirmed maintaining good order is important for the work of the Gospel but it can never be used to silence those who are standing for the Faith and resisting doctrinal error. It was our common understanding in Newry that the extraordinary pastoral relationships and initiatives now underway would be maintained until this crisis is resolved. If, however, the measures proposed in our Communiqué to protect the legitimate needs of groups in serious theological disputes prove to be ineffectual, and if acts of oppression against those who seek to uphold our common faith persist, then we will have no choice but to offer safe harbour for those in distress.
These are challenging days for our common life and witness, they are also a glorious opportunity for us to demonstrate the truth that we serve the living God who can make all things new. May we all make every effort to submit our lives to His gracious will so that we may all be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
The Lord be with you.
Sincerely yours,
The Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola, CON, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
My sisters and brothers:
Greetings in the name of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I am grateful for our fellowship in the Gospel during these difficult days within the worldwide Anglican Communion and I am still rejoicing at the memory of our time together in Kaduna. I am also thankful that while we are all engaged in many different expressions of practical concern for the poor and the oppressed at home and abroad we share a common commitment to the primary mission of the Church, which is to proclaim redemption from sin and the promise of life eternal through faith in Jesus Christ.
I now write to you in response to the recent Covenant statement from ECUSA’s House of Bishops during their spring meeting in Camp Allen, Texas and also because there have been a number of misleading reports about the recent Primates’ meeting in Northern Ireland.
While the statement issued by ECUSA’s House of Bishops expressed a desire to remain in the life and mission of the Anglican Communion, I was disappointed that the only regret offered was for their failure to consult and the effect of their actions instead of an admission that what they have done has offended God and His Church. As was pointed out in the Primates Communiqué issued in February ‘the underlying reality of our communion in God the Holy Trinity is obscured, and the effectiveness of our common mission severely hindered.” ECUSA has yet to grasp this reality and still appears to be chasing shadows. Until this is recognized there can be no hope of meaningful reconciliation.
The statement answered the call for a moratorium with regard to the ordinations of non-celibate homosexuals with a pledge to withhold consent to the consecration of any bishop until 2006 – I find this response to be disingenuous since it holds the entire church to ransom for the sin of a few. While they have claimed to answer the call for moratorium on the blessing of same-sex unions we know that there are Dioceses where the clergy are still continuing the practice of blessing same-sex partnerships with the Bishops’ explicit permission. I find this duplicitous and I would point out that the underlying issue is not a temporary cessation of these practices but a decision to renounce them and demonstrate a willing embrace of the same teaching on matters of sexual morality as is generally accepted throughout the Communion and described in Lambeth Resolution 1.10.
With regard to the Primates meeting in Ireland I find it highly offensive to hear claims that a group of us were influenced by external forces into taking stands that we would not otherwise have taken. There is absolutely no merit to these claims and I am saddened that there are those who wish to perpetuate this malevolent falsehood. Our actions and agreements were the result of prayerful deliberation and principled conviction. The idea that orthodox Americans manipulated us is an insult – in truth we in the Global South have been challenging them to stand firm. And there were a number of us who felt that the recommendations did not go far enough but out of respect for the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury we were willing to leave space for serious reflection and genuine repentance.
I was appalled by statements claiming that the devil was wandering the halls of the Dromantine Retreat Center – perhaps those who make such observations should first look within themselves before they accuse others. Many of us believe that what we achieved in our time together was due to the work of God’s Holy Spirit and to claim otherwise is blasphemous.
I have noted with disappointment that there are those in ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada who are suggesting that these Provinces should defy the Primates’ request that they voluntarily withdraw their members from the next meetings of the Anglican Consultative Council. I would urge the appointed leadership of these Provinces to weigh seriously the consequences of such actions if indeed there is to be any hope of the reconciliation and healing that we all seek. Moreover I believe that it is an accurate sense of our meeting to say that the Primates do not expect ECUSA and the Canadian church to participate in ANY of the structures of the Communion until they have chosen to respect the mind of the Communion. Until they decide to return - something for which we earnestly pray – the sad truth is that they have walked away from the Communion.
Finally, I need to address the important matter of provincial and diocesan boundaries. As I have repeatedly reaffirmed maintaining good order is important for the work of the Gospel but it can never be used to silence those who are standing for the Faith and resisting doctrinal error. It was our common understanding in Newry that the extraordinary pastoral relationships and initiatives now underway would be maintained until this crisis is resolved. If, however, the measures proposed in our Communiqué to protect the legitimate needs of groups in serious theological disputes prove to be ineffectual, and if acts of oppression against those who seek to uphold our common faith persist, then we will have no choice but to offer safe harbour for those in distress.
These are challenging days for our common life and witness, they are also a glorious opportunity for us to demonstrate the truth that we serve the living God who can make all things new. May we all make every effort to submit our lives to His gracious will so that we may all be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
The Lord be with you.
Sincerely yours,
The Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola, CON, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
Saturday, 7 May 2005
Kaduna Meeting: Pastoral letter to the Church
Kaduna Meeting: Pastoral letter to the Church
CONN/160305
The Church of Nigeria says it will not commence the ordination of women but the issue may be revisited in the future.
This is contained in a Pastoral letter issued by the Primate of the Church Archbishop Peter Akinola on behalf of the Standing Committee of the Church which ended its meeting in Kaduna last Saturday.
The Primate called on members of his church to approach the mission agenda of the church Vision 1-1-3 with the spirit of obedience for fruitful results.
Under the Vision 1-1-3, the Church of Nigeria hopes to double its present size of 17 million by 2007. It believes planting of more churches and places of worship as a strategy.
Read full text of pastoral letter
CONN/160305
The Church of Nigeria says it will not commence the ordination of women but the issue may be revisited in the future.
This is contained in a Pastoral letter issued by the Primate of the Church Archbishop Peter Akinola on behalf of the Standing Committee of the Church which ended its meeting in Kaduna last Saturday.
The Primate called on members of his church to approach the mission agenda of the church Vision 1-1-3 with the spirit of obedience for fruitful results.
Under the Vision 1-1-3, the Church of Nigeria hopes to double its present size of 17 million by 2007. It believes planting of more churches and places of worship as a strategy.
Read full text of pastoral letter
A WORD TO NIGERIAN ANGLICANS IN NORTH AMERICA
A WORD TO NIGERIAN ANGLICANS IN NORTH AMERICA
From the Primate of all Nigeria, Archbishop Peter J. Akinola:
Greetings in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
It has been my privilege to meet Nigerian Anglicans in places across America including Washington D.C., New York City, Houston, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis and Chicago. I have witnessed your faithfulness and seen what a blessing you are, both to those who share our love for the Lord Jesus and also those who have yet to hear the good news of His love.
I have also become aware of the challenging circumstances in which many of you find yourselves because of the actions of ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada. By their recent decisions, they have torn the fabric of our common life and have jeopardized your lives and ministries. This is a tragic reality that cannot be ignored. While it remains my prayer that ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada will repent and embrace the teaching of the Communion, their actions have placed an obligation upon me to provide for the proper and continuing pastoral and episcopal oversight for Nigerian churches in North America.
It is well known that many Nigerian Anglicans who live in the North America are no longer able to worship in an Anglican church, some have drifted to other churches, and others have even given up the faith. I well remember one woman coming to me during one of my visits and, with tears, saying she could no longer worship in an ECUSA church and that her whole family no longer had a church home, yet they would prefer to remain faithful Anglicans. In saying this she spoke for many others.
Several of our Nigerian clergy in America have been informed they can no longer work in an Episcopal diocese or have had their funding cut. Finally, the unilateral dismissal by the Presiding Bishop of the Chaplain we had jointly appointed to minister to Nigerian congregations illustrates the extent of the brokenness of our relationship and underlines the need to provide alternative structures for episcopal and pastoral care.
After much prayer and careful discernment with appropriate colleagues and advisors over the last two years, and in full consultation with the Nigerian congregations in America, together with the enthusiastic endorsement of the Episcopal Synod and the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) we announce the formation of the Convocation of Anglican Nigerian Churches in America.
This Convocation will function as a ministry of the Church of Nigeria in America. Our intention is not to challenge or intervene in the churches of ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada but rather to provide safe harbour for those who can no longer find their spiritual home in those churches. While it will initially operate under our Constitution and Canons, it will have its own legal and ecclesial structure and local suffragan episcopate. I will be asking the next General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, which will meet in September 2005, to make the necessary constitutional amendments.
During the intervening months, in cooperation with our friends in the Anglican Communion Network, I will be appointing episcopal visitors from among already consecrated bishops to provide pastoral and episcopal oversight for those congregations already in operation and in formation. I am excited by the possibilities before us and look forward to seeing this ministry grow.
We ask that all people will join us in prayer for the fullness of God’s blessing upon the Convocation and the growth of its witness to all who would hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola
Primate of All Nigeria and the Chairman of the Council of
Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA)
From the Primate of all Nigeria, Archbishop Peter J. Akinola:
Greetings in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
It has been my privilege to meet Nigerian Anglicans in places across America including Washington D.C., New York City, Houston, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis and Chicago. I have witnessed your faithfulness and seen what a blessing you are, both to those who share our love for the Lord Jesus and also those who have yet to hear the good news of His love.
I have also become aware of the challenging circumstances in which many of you find yourselves because of the actions of ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada. By their recent decisions, they have torn the fabric of our common life and have jeopardized your lives and ministries. This is a tragic reality that cannot be ignored. While it remains my prayer that ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada will repent and embrace the teaching of the Communion, their actions have placed an obligation upon me to provide for the proper and continuing pastoral and episcopal oversight for Nigerian churches in North America.
It is well known that many Nigerian Anglicans who live in the North America are no longer able to worship in an Anglican church, some have drifted to other churches, and others have even given up the faith. I well remember one woman coming to me during one of my visits and, with tears, saying she could no longer worship in an ECUSA church and that her whole family no longer had a church home, yet they would prefer to remain faithful Anglicans. In saying this she spoke for many others.
Several of our Nigerian clergy in America have been informed they can no longer work in an Episcopal diocese or have had their funding cut. Finally, the unilateral dismissal by the Presiding Bishop of the Chaplain we had jointly appointed to minister to Nigerian congregations illustrates the extent of the brokenness of our relationship and underlines the need to provide alternative structures for episcopal and pastoral care.
After much prayer and careful discernment with appropriate colleagues and advisors over the last two years, and in full consultation with the Nigerian congregations in America, together with the enthusiastic endorsement of the Episcopal Synod and the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) we announce the formation of the Convocation of Anglican Nigerian Churches in America.
This Convocation will function as a ministry of the Church of Nigeria in America. Our intention is not to challenge or intervene in the churches of ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada but rather to provide safe harbour for those who can no longer find their spiritual home in those churches. While it will initially operate under our Constitution and Canons, it will have its own legal and ecclesial structure and local suffragan episcopate. I will be asking the next General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, which will meet in September 2005, to make the necessary constitutional amendments.
During the intervening months, in cooperation with our friends in the Anglican Communion Network, I will be appointing episcopal visitors from among already consecrated bishops to provide pastoral and episcopal oversight for those congregations already in operation and in formation. I am excited by the possibilities before us and look forward to seeing this ministry grow.
We ask that all people will join us in prayer for the fullness of God’s blessing upon the Convocation and the growth of its witness to all who would hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola
Primate of All Nigeria and the Chairman of the Council of
Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA)
Thursday, 28 April 2005
HIV/AIDS: Church of Nigeria parleys with NACA
HIV/AIDS: Church of Nigeria parleys with NACA
CONN/280405
Abuja, April 28, 2005- Following the implementation of her strategic policy document on HIV/AIDS, representatives of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the National Action Committee of AIDS (NACA) are to collaborate to crash the pandemic.
A decision to this effect was made following a meeting which took place in Abuja between the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Ven. Oluranti Odubogun and Chairman of NACA Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin.
Ven. Odubogun gave an upbeat assessment on the Church’s response, outlining detailed activities carried out towards reduction of AIDS in the country.
So far, seminars and enlightenment campaigns were organized for over 60 Anglican Bishops and in October 2004, 63 Diocesan HIV/AIDS coordinator were trained on HIV/AIDS programming.
He said an integrated Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre (VCT) had been established in Abuja, adding that a prevention and care programme was commissioned under the Social Welfare Committee of the Church.
Partner Organisations including Action Aid International, Policy Project Nigeria and Christian Aid UK had at various degrees provided support for the Anglican Church activities on HIV/AIDS.
Responding, Prof. Osotimehin said Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) had an important role to play in the fight against the epidemic particularly in the areas of prevention and education.
According to him collaboration and encouragement in the face of so many obstacles should serve as a driving force to all major contributors to the National response on HIV/AIDS.
He commended the Anglican Church for evolving a workable strategic policy document on HIV/AIDS.
The Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church are the two FBOs that have evolved policies toward combating the scourge.
It would be recalled that NACA recently called for proposal from organizations working on combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
NACA plans to provide funding for successful bids ranging from N13 million to N39 million. Furthermore a national roundtable to access the impact of faith based groups on HIV/AIDS will be held in June this year.
Other members of the Church of Nigeria team present at the parley were National HIV/AIDS coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Olatunji, Rev. Sam Akale and Dr. Anthony Momoh.
CONN/280405
Abuja, April 28, 2005- Following the implementation of her strategic policy document on HIV/AIDS, representatives of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the National Action Committee of AIDS (NACA) are to collaborate to crash the pandemic.
A decision to this effect was made following a meeting which took place in Abuja between the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Ven. Oluranti Odubogun and Chairman of NACA Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin.
Ven. Odubogun gave an upbeat assessment on the Church’s response, outlining detailed activities carried out towards reduction of AIDS in the country.
So far, seminars and enlightenment campaigns were organized for over 60 Anglican Bishops and in October 2004, 63 Diocesan HIV/AIDS coordinator were trained on HIV/AIDS programming.
He said an integrated Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre (VCT) had been established in Abuja, adding that a prevention and care programme was commissioned under the Social Welfare Committee of the Church.
Partner Organisations including Action Aid International, Policy Project Nigeria and Christian Aid UK had at various degrees provided support for the Anglican Church activities on HIV/AIDS.
Responding, Prof. Osotimehin said Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) had an important role to play in the fight against the epidemic particularly in the areas of prevention and education.
According to him collaboration and encouragement in the face of so many obstacles should serve as a driving force to all major contributors to the National response on HIV/AIDS.
He commended the Anglican Church for evolving a workable strategic policy document on HIV/AIDS.
The Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church are the two FBOs that have evolved policies toward combating the scourge.
It would be recalled that NACA recently called for proposal from organizations working on combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
NACA plans to provide funding for successful bids ranging from N13 million to N39 million. Furthermore a national roundtable to access the impact of faith based groups on HIV/AIDS will be held in June this year.
Other members of the Church of Nigeria team present at the parley were National HIV/AIDS coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Olatunji, Rev. Sam Akale and Dr. Anthony Momoh.
Church of Nigeria reaches out to assist the Anglican Church of Congo
Church of Nigeria reaches out to assist the Anglican Church of Congo
CONN/290405
Abuja, April 28, 2005- The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has donated a Land cruiser jeep to the Primate of Congo, the Most Rev Dirokpa B Fidele, to ease mobility and support evangelical work in the area.
Archbishop of Lagos Province, the Most Rev Ephraim Ademowo and the Bishop on the Niger, the Rt. Rev Ken Okeke presented the vehicle to the Primate of Congo in Kinshasa on behalf of the Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev'd Peter Akinola.
The donation, which is to encourage the bond of love and partnership among African Anglican Churches, is coming few months after the maiden Africa Bishops Conference resolved that financially challenged Provinces should be supported by the more privileged Provinces.
Many years of civil war in the Congo DR has killed some 3 million people, rendering millions more homeless and completely ruined the country’s economy. The Church is also affected by this colossal loss of human lives and property. Stories abound of families sharing sleeping accommodation by observing shifts. Feeding is a problem as well as education with the clergy even finding it difficult to send their children to school.
Archbishop Ademowo said he saw deplorable conditions of living in the DR Congo and admits that the level of poverty is still very high. “The Province really needs a lot of assistance’’, he said, adding years of civil war has made the infrastructure of the country very dreadful.
This view was also corroborated by Bishop Okeke “Because of the incessant war in Congo the economy in the country is chaotic. In the capital there is no adequate transportation and life is generally difficult. This also affects the Church itself.’’
The Land cruiser Jeep worth thousands of Dollars was received with joy by the Primate and the Church “When we handed him (Archbishop Fidele) the key to the car he was enthused and excited,” Ademowo said. Congo is one of the largest African countries in terms of land mass and one can only imagine the many evangelistic opportunities good transportation can aid.
The visit to Kinshasa provided an opportunity to appraise the request for a missionary Bishop from the Church of Nigeria.
According to Bishop Okeke, who is also the Chairman of the Church of Nigeria Missionary Society (CNMS), the Missionary Bishop will be based in Kasai region which is annexed to the Diocese of Kinshasa.
His responsibilities would include preparing the missionary diocese to become a full fledged Diocese.
Archbishop Ephraim Ademowo and the Primate of Congo (3rd and 4th from left) in front of the Bishop’s worship center in Kinshasa. “The Anglican Church in Kinshasa is so young and poor that there is only one church building with deficient design that can sit only 50 people. The other sites are yet to be developed.’’ There are four priests and ten deacons in Kinshasa diocese. Their monthly support is very low. There is a lot the Church of Nigeria can do for them in terms of assistance and empowerment. ’’ Bishop Okeke said.
The Anglican Church in Kinshasa is just 8 years old and Archbishop Fidele doubles as the Bishop of Kinshasa. The Anglican Church came to Eastern Congo some 80 years ago but failed to thrive in the western part of the country where she is now moving in to spread the Gospel.
CONN/290405
Abuja, April 28, 2005- The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has donated a Land cruiser jeep to the Primate of Congo, the Most Rev Dirokpa B Fidele, to ease mobility and support evangelical work in the area.
Archbishop of Lagos Province, the Most Rev Ephraim Ademowo and the Bishop on the Niger, the Rt. Rev Ken Okeke presented the vehicle to the Primate of Congo in Kinshasa on behalf of the Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev'd Peter Akinola.
The donation, which is to encourage the bond of love and partnership among African Anglican Churches, is coming few months after the maiden Africa Bishops Conference resolved that financially challenged Provinces should be supported by the more privileged Provinces.
Many years of civil war in the Congo DR has killed some 3 million people, rendering millions more homeless and completely ruined the country’s economy. The Church is also affected by this colossal loss of human lives and property. Stories abound of families sharing sleeping accommodation by observing shifts. Feeding is a problem as well as education with the clergy even finding it difficult to send their children to school.
Archbishop Ademowo said he saw deplorable conditions of living in the DR Congo and admits that the level of poverty is still very high. “The Province really needs a lot of assistance’’, he said, adding years of civil war has made the infrastructure of the country very dreadful.
This view was also corroborated by Bishop Okeke “Because of the incessant war in Congo the economy in the country is chaotic. In the capital there is no adequate transportation and life is generally difficult. This also affects the Church itself.’’
The Land cruiser Jeep worth thousands of Dollars was received with joy by the Primate and the Church “When we handed him (Archbishop Fidele) the key to the car he was enthused and excited,” Ademowo said. Congo is one of the largest African countries in terms of land mass and one can only imagine the many evangelistic opportunities good transportation can aid.
The visit to Kinshasa provided an opportunity to appraise the request for a missionary Bishop from the Church of Nigeria.
According to Bishop Okeke, who is also the Chairman of the Church of Nigeria Missionary Society (CNMS), the Missionary Bishop will be based in Kasai region which is annexed to the Diocese of Kinshasa.
His responsibilities would include preparing the missionary diocese to become a full fledged Diocese.
Archbishop Ephraim Ademowo and the Primate of Congo (3rd and 4th from left) in front of the Bishop’s worship center in Kinshasa. “The Anglican Church in Kinshasa is so young and poor that there is only one church building with deficient design that can sit only 50 people. The other sites are yet to be developed.’’ There are four priests and ten deacons in Kinshasa diocese. Their monthly support is very low. There is a lot the Church of Nigeria can do for them in terms of assistance and empowerment. ’’ Bishop Okeke said.
The Anglican Church in Kinshasa is just 8 years old and Archbishop Fidele doubles as the Bishop of Kinshasa. The Anglican Church came to Eastern Congo some 80 years ago but failed to thrive in the western part of the country where she is now moving in to spread the Gospel.
Christ Church Kaduna breathes peace at last
Christ Church Kaduna breathes peace at last
CONN/300405
Kaduna, Apirl 28, 2005- A new Vicar has been presented to the congregation of Christ (Anglican) Church Kaduna, signaling the return of peace after disagreement over disposition of clergy caused a rift between the Diocese and one of her parish Churches.
He is the Rev Canon Ben Idume, currently serving as the Church of Nigeria National Director of Youth and Women Affairs.
Archbishop of Kaduna, the Most Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, made the announcement to hundreds of worshippers who had the chance to witness the end of the over one-year old Vicar-ship dispute on Sunday 24th April, 2005.
He also announced the dissolution of the Central Working Committee of the Church (CWC), led by Chief O.N. Nwobi and commissioned a 12-man Committee, expected to work with the new Vicar until vestry elections are held.
For the past 15 months, Christ Church Kaduna and the Diocese of Kaduna were embroiled in a face-off after members of the local parish rejected the posting of a non-Igbo speaking Vicar.
Insisting that it was their right to have an-Igbo speaking Vicar since the congregation was pre-dominantly Igbo; the local church parted ways with the Diocesan who was of the opinion that non-Igbo speakers should be encouraged to join the Church for total integration irrespective of tribe or tongue
During the period of the impasse, the pastoral care of the congregation was committed to lay readers of the Church and an external ministry.
The intervention of Governor Ahmed Makarfi of Kaduna State and the Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev. Peter Akinola commissioned a reconciliation Committee.
The Committee had representatives from the State government, the Kaduna State Christian Association of Nigeria, the Diocese of Kaduna and Christ Church Kaduna.
Prominent in the truce reached by the Reconciliation Committee was the posting of Rev Idume, a Deltan, who understands and speaks the Igbo language fluently.
At the `reconciliation service’, Archbishop Fearon prayed God to reward all that worked for the return of peace in the Church and particularly asked that the new Vicar be empowered with wisdom and understanding.
“We pray that the team (12-man Committee) he is working with will be fully controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit, ’’ the Archbishop said.
In a solemn mood, Rev. Canon Idume urged for prayers from members of the Church and appealed that all side-talks and gossip be put away toward achieving the supreme goal of the Church, which is salvation.
Meanwhile, the institution and induction service of the new Vicar is to come up on May 8, 2005.
Among the dignitaries who attended the service were Permanent Secretary Bureau for Religious Affairs in Kaduna State and the Secretary of CAN Kaduna Chapter, Rev. John Haiab.
Christ Church Kaduna was established in 1946
CONN/300405
Kaduna, Apirl 28, 2005- A new Vicar has been presented to the congregation of Christ (Anglican) Church Kaduna, signaling the return of peace after disagreement over disposition of clergy caused a rift between the Diocese and one of her parish Churches.
He is the Rev Canon Ben Idume, currently serving as the Church of Nigeria National Director of Youth and Women Affairs.
Archbishop of Kaduna, the Most Rev. Josiah Idowu-Fearon, made the announcement to hundreds of worshippers who had the chance to witness the end of the over one-year old Vicar-ship dispute on Sunday 24th April, 2005.
He also announced the dissolution of the Central Working Committee of the Church (CWC), led by Chief O.N. Nwobi and commissioned a 12-man Committee, expected to work with the new Vicar until vestry elections are held.
For the past 15 months, Christ Church Kaduna and the Diocese of Kaduna were embroiled in a face-off after members of the local parish rejected the posting of a non-Igbo speaking Vicar.
Insisting that it was their right to have an-Igbo speaking Vicar since the congregation was pre-dominantly Igbo; the local church parted ways with the Diocesan who was of the opinion that non-Igbo speakers should be encouraged to join the Church for total integration irrespective of tribe or tongue
During the period of the impasse, the pastoral care of the congregation was committed to lay readers of the Church and an external ministry.
The intervention of Governor Ahmed Makarfi of Kaduna State and the Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev. Peter Akinola commissioned a reconciliation Committee.
The Committee had representatives from the State government, the Kaduna State Christian Association of Nigeria, the Diocese of Kaduna and Christ Church Kaduna.
Prominent in the truce reached by the Reconciliation Committee was the posting of Rev Idume, a Deltan, who understands and speaks the Igbo language fluently.
At the `reconciliation service’, Archbishop Fearon prayed God to reward all that worked for the return of peace in the Church and particularly asked that the new Vicar be empowered with wisdom and understanding.
“We pray that the team (12-man Committee) he is working with will be fully controlled by the power of the Holy Spirit, ’’ the Archbishop said.
In a solemn mood, Rev. Canon Idume urged for prayers from members of the Church and appealed that all side-talks and gossip be put away toward achieving the supreme goal of the Church, which is salvation.
Meanwhile, the institution and induction service of the new Vicar is to come up on May 8, 2005.
Among the dignitaries who attended the service were Permanent Secretary Bureau for Religious Affairs in Kaduna State and the Secretary of CAN Kaduna Chapter, Rev. John Haiab.
Christ Church Kaduna was established in 1946
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