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
Thursday, 15 September 2005
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
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
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.”
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
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
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.
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.
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