ELECTION 2007: Look at the candidates not the political party - Anglican bishop

ELECTION 2007:
Look at the candidates not the political party - Anglican bishop
(Article culled from THIS DAY newspaper, October 24, 2006)

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By Amby Uneze Owerri
The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu in Imo State , Rt. Rev. Prof. Emmanuel Iheagwam has advised Nigerians to vote in credible candidates in the forthcoming elections in the country, as doing so would usher in God's blessing and avert any impending national disaster.
He said people should look out for those candidates who are credible and not minding political party they belong; adding that Nigeria stands to gain plentifully if things are done aright as such things would give God the glory to continue to bless the country.
Bishop Iheagwam, who was speaking on the activities, lined up for the 2006 Synod of the diocese, scheduled from November 4 - 7th, 2006, called on Nigerians to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free and fair elections.
According to him, he believed that the INEC was desirous to give Nigerians credible elections, considering the numerous programmes outlined by the Commission, regretting Nigerians were not being fair to them.
Throwing more light on the Synod, the Cleric, who was flanked by the Chairman Planning Committee of the Synod, Okenze Ubochi Osigwe and Dame Comfort Obi, publisher of the Sources Magazine, said the venue of the Synod would be St. John's (Anglican) Church, Ihiagwa, Owerri West Local Government of Imo State.
Those expected to grass the occasion are the Governors of Imo, Abia and Bayelsa States , Chief Achike Udenwa, who would read the first Bible lesson; Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (second Bible lesson) and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as the Synod Guest Lecturer.
The theme of this year's Synod, according Bishop Iheagwam is "Every branch that bears fruit He prunes ", while the Presidential Address/Charge would be delivered on Monday, November 6.
He described Synod as a gathering of some members of a diocese and her special invitees from outside to assess the performance of the Diocese in the current year and based on the reports to formulate policies that would guide it in the subsequent year, adding Synod is also interested in secular matters both within the country and outside and after a careful analysis issues a communiqué or resolutions

OVER 20 NEW DIOCESES TO BE INAUGURATED IN 2007

OVER 20 NEW DIOCESES TO BE INAUGURATED IN 2007
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The Church of Nigeria pushes on with the mission to disciple as many as God grants amongst Nigeria’s large population. To this end, the last Standing Committee of the church held in September in Port Harcourt, Rivers State approved the establishment of 19 new missionary dioceses and advised 7 other regions to go through the normal process for the creation of full fledged dioceses.

The proposed dioceses are Awgu/Aninri and Ngwo from Enugu diocese, Ikwo, Afikpo and Ngbo from Abakaliki diocese, Ogbaru from On the Niger, Etche from Niger Delta North, Isiala Ngwa South from Aba,. Kotangora from Minna, Zaria from Kaduna, while Jos diocese will produce Bukuru and another diocese encompassing the communities in Pankshin / Langtang / Shendam / Yelwa and Wase areas.

Others missionary diocese are Etsako and Akoko-Edo from Sabongidda-Ora diocese, New Bussa and Omu-Aran from Kwara, Ajayi Crowther and Oke-Ogun from Oyo, whilst Ifo will come from Egba diocese.

Other communities considered for missionary dioceses but were deemed to have enough Anglican presence to support full fledged dioceses include Festac/Ojo in Lagos-West, Nike in Enugu, Aba Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa in Aba, Ikole Ekiti in Ekiti, Egba-West in Egba diocese and Ekiti-Kwara in Kwara diocese.

The inauguration of the missionary dioceses and consecration of their bishops have been slated for March/ April next year while dates for the full fledged dioceses will depend on when they complete the new diocese creation process. This process involves getting their individual synods to approve the splitting of the diocese, organize funding for the proposed diocese, put in place some organizational structures like the diocesan offices, Cathedral and residence and finally get the national approval at a Standing Committee or General Synod meeting.

Missionary dioceses on the other hand usually come about based on a perceived need to evangelize a wide area and effectively empower the missionaries and fledging churches with dedicated Episcopal supervision from the start.

The only other major concern for missionary dioceses is funding and sponsors are sought for to provide at least N3 million Naira annually for three years after which the diocese is expected to become self-reliant.

History of Missionary Dioceses
When the Church of Nigeria became an independent province in 1979, the entire northern Nigeria was administered as a diocese with headquarters in Kaduna. Today, the region is comprised of three Provinces and twenty seven dioceses with more to come. “The spread and growth of the church in the previously Muslim and Animist communities had been aided by the establishment of missionary dioceses” says Archbishop Akinola whose Abuja diocese started off as a missionary initiative of the Church of Nigeria but is now a fully self sustaining and self propagating diocese from which two other dioceses have been craved out over the years.

The Dioceses of Jos and Kano were created from the Northern diocese in 1980 and in 1989 the Abuja mission was inaugurated as a diocese. The major push however came during the Lambeth declared ‘decade of evangelism’ as the then Archbishop Adetiloye led church decided that no state, community or tribe should be overlooked in the evangelism effort. Dependence of the missions on the busy and greatly overstretched bishops was slowing things down while the rate of growth of the newly inaugurated dioceses was alarming.

With the leading of the Holy Spirit, the church embarked on missionary dioceses with the focus of developing the Anglican Christian presence into such that can stand as a diocese within three years. The stringent requirements for viability of the diocese were relaxed and others were encouraged to support the mission work in the new areas.

Eight such dioceses were inaugurated in Northern Nigeria in September 1990, two in the Niger delta region,1990 and 1992 and by 1996, the success of the northern dioceses led to the establishment of five more missionary dioceses there to cater for yet unexplored areas.

Southern Eye-Opener
Until recently, most areas south of the country refuse missionary diocese with a Nigerian pride of “We can support a full one by ourselves.” A recent experiment in Umuahia south-eastern Nigeria has however shown that this is an impediment to evangelism, and there is now a loud clamor for missionary dioceses from the largely Christian south.

In 2004, the diocese of Umuahia identified three missionary areas which were inaugurated as missionary dioceses in March 2005. The bishop of Umuahia Rt. Rev I. N. Nwosu reported to the next General synod that the missionary move has resulted in the establishment of thirty four new churches in the four dioceses within six months! Bishop J. C. Onuoha, one of the missionary bishops corroborating the report said the major handicap is finance as he has requests from other village heads who now want churches in their domain.

Finance has been the major handicap and some schools of thought express fear concerning the sustenance of the dioceses. Others think the establishment of dioceses is based on perceived ambition of some clergy for positions. Archbishop Akinola would have none of this. “Funding is not my problem. My Father in heaven owns the earth and He has said GO! The provision of funds should not be my problem but the Sender’s. The work is His, the Glory is His. God wants the Gospel preached and people discipled for Christ. We are expected to ‘Go’ and be trusting and faithful.” He said while charging everyone to prayerfully seek God’s leading and direction to the resources God has provided for His work instead of ‘celebrating laziness’ because of lack of funds.

Election of Bishops
On personal ambitions, Bishop Onuoha said that should not be a problem. “No person can nominate himself for election as a bishop. My own election was a surprise to me. I did not even dream my name would be nominated not to talk of election. In fact, the constitution and canons of the church makes it difficult for ambitious self-servers to become bishops.” He said missionary bishops are more of field evangelists rather than the urban diocesan administrators who wield power and influence. I did not covet this position and I do not think anyone who understands the task and associated weight would do so.

The process for the election of the bishops for the new dioceses has begun with letters written to the concerned Advisory Committees to meet and forward to the Primate in writing the views of the Committee in general terms on the qualifications (including level of education, parish experience, commitment, acceptability, etc.) required in the Bishop to be elected for the consideration of the Episcopal Synod.

Such views are then forwarded to all members of the Episcopal Synod for prayerful considerations before a meeting is conveyed for the election. Other election details are available online in the Canon IV of the Election of Bishops.

GLOBAL SOUTH ANGLICAN LEADERS: "We will not abandon the poor or persecuted"

GLOBAL SOUTH ANGLICAN LEADERS: "We will not abandon the poor or persecuted"
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Peter Onwubuariri, Abuja

Leaders of the Global South of the Anglican Communion have pledged their commitment to the welfare of the poor and the persecuted worldwide.

Their declaration came after a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum in Rwanda, a memorial of the 250,000 helpless victims killed during the Rwandan Genocide, 12 years ago.

A statement following a four-day meeting which ended Sept. 22 in Kigali described Global South Leaders as having prayed and wept at the mass grave of the victims of the Rwanda Genocide.

According to the statement, the Global South Leaders, who are mainly from Africa, Asia, Australia and South America and who represent more than half of worldwide Anglicans, were ‘chastened’ by the experience of visiting the Genocide museum.

In a gripping tone, the statement said: “we… commit ourselves not to abandon the poor or the persecuted wherever they may be and in whatever circumstances. We add our voices to their and we say, “Never Again.”.



They warned that in spite of the memories of the Rwandan genocide, several countries in the Southern hemisphere are still consumed in the middle of dangerous conflict.

“We are very aware of the agonizing situation in the Sudan. We appreciate and commend the Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and the South.”

“We dare not, however, close our eyes to the devastating situation in Darfur. We are conscious of the complexities but there must be no continuation of the slaughter.”

They called on all Provinces in the Anglican Communion and the international community to stand in solidarity with the people of Darfur, Sudan.

On an upbeat note, the statement acknowledged the reconciling power of God’s love at work in Rwanda and Burundi following the completion of a ceasefire agreement between government and the Paliphehutu-FNL.

Describing the turn of events as ‘occasions for hope for the future’, the Church Leaders lauded the gradual return of peace in Northern Uganda and the elections due to take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria is Chairman of the Global South and the Kigali meeting was attended by representatives of 20 provinces in the Anglican Communion.
These include Bangladesh Burundi, Central Africa, Church of South India, Congo, Indian Ocean, Jerusalem and Middle East. Others are Kenya, Myanmar, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, Southern Africa, South East Asia, Southern Cone, Sudan,

FROM CARPENTER TO PRIMATE: Ambassador Sagay writes on Abp. Akinola.

FROM CARPENTER TO PRIMATE:
Ambassador Sagay writes on Abp. Akinola.
(Article in THE GUARDIAN of Sunday 1st October, 2006 reproduced with permission)

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HIS GRACE ARCHBISHOP PETER AKINOLA:
FROM CARPENTER TO PRIMATE- CELEBRATING HIS PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFEIn the 8th May, 2006 issue of TIME (a prestigious magazine with global reach) His Grace The Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola CON, DD Archbishop Metropolitan And Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was nominated as one of the One Hundred Personalities world-wide, whose lives and ideas have made them the world’s most influential persons. For the record, I quote TIME citation that accompanied the “African Personality Award” given to the Anglican Primate, in which he is numbered second among the ranks of “World Leaders and Revolutionaries” of which only 21 were so recognized world-wide. Dubbed the man with “The Strength of a Lion”’ this is what TIME magazine said of the Archbishop:“Nigerian Anglican Archbishop Peter Akinola captured headlines last year for leading the world-wide revolt of evangelical Anglicans against the ordination of gay bishops in the U.S. by the Episcopal Church. But to caricature his ministry with that one issue, would severely underestimate his importance. Akinola personifies the epochal change in the Christian church, namely that the leadership, influence, growth and center of gravity in Christianity is shifting from the northern hemisphere to the southern. New African, Asian and Latin American church leaders like Akinola, 61, are bright, biblical, courageous and willing to point out the inconsistencies, weaknesses and theological drift in Western churches.With nearly 18 million active Anglicans in Nigeria, Akinola’s flock dwarfs the mother Church of England’s membership. And since he is chairman of the 37 million-member Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa, when he speaks, far more than just Anglicans pay attention. Akinola has the strength of a lion, useful in confronting Third World fundamentalism and First World relativism. He has been criticized for recent remarks of frustration that some felt exacerbated Muslim-Christian clashes in his country. But Christians are routinely attacked in parts of Nigeria, and his anger was no more characteristic than Nelson Mandela’s apartheid-era statement that, “sooner or later this violence is going to spread to whites”. I believe he, like Mandela, is a man of peace and his leadership is a model for Christians around the world”.Surely, this accolade coming from the usually jaundiced opinion of the Western World News media about African personalities, represents a profoundly positive paradigmatic shift, particularly, since the personality involved is a Nigerian. And this at a time, when Nigeria is once again being pilloried from pillar to post, as a result of a multitude of malfeasance, attributed to her citizens, to the extent that many in the West have begun once again, to regard contact with Nigerians with dread, revulsion, and apprehension. It is indeed most pleasing, that among the great men of our generation, many of whom have betrayed their trust as leaders, it is a man of God, and not politicians in the high councils of government, or captains of industry, that the world has singled out for greatness. To God be the glory.And so, as to the perennial question of whether the Church has failed Nigerians, God in Christ through Archbishop Peter Akinola gives the resounding reply of “No”. Inevitably, but predictably, many Nigerians will ask, why Archbishop Akinola, and what’s so special about him? Who indeed is this enigmatic personality, who has come to lime-light through his dogmatic advocacy of the essential truth of the Bible? Let us start with his full name, and abridged bio-data. He is addressed as, His Grace The Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola CON, DD Archbishop Metropolitan And Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion). In addition, he is the current President of The Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), Chairman, Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa, and Chairman, South-South Encounter Of The Anglican Communion. He has been honoured with the National Award of Commander Of The Order of The Niger (CON), December 2003. Laudable as these accomplishments are, they still do not tell us much about the inner man behind the veil –the shepherd with the heart of a lion. Outside of the hallowed precincts of the Church and his Bishop’s Court, this “Lion” is self-effacing almost to the point of meekness; nevertheless, such is his aura and “presence”, that despite his elegantly casual way of dressing, especially when traveling in cognito, (in civilian mufti), no-one could fail to notice him when he passes by, or enters a room. And when he opens his mouth to speak, authority and command issue forth, to compel your attention. The magic is in his voice! His voice is a cross between a muffled trumpet sound and an Army commandant’s barking orders during parade. His English when he addresses an audience, is totally without Oxford accent affectation, yet it has the resonance and clarity of a bell. It is authoritative, yet pleasing and re-assuring. His assertions carry a note of finality –not unlike Pilate’s, “what I have written (spoken) I have written (spoken)” No listener is left in doubt, or wondering as to what is meant –he means what he says, and says what he means to say –without ambiguity. He has the spell-binding gift of the anointed, and leaves no one in doubt that he is the oracle of God, speaking the mind of Christ, especially in his prophetic pronouncements, based on the hidden truths of the Scriptures. You feel the Power in God’s Words, as they cascade and issue forth from the spiritual well-spring of his inner being. Let me tell this story, by way of illustration, and as a testimony –and to God be the glory! On the Sunday morning that preceded the demise of the late General Abacha (rumored to have occurred, sometime between mid-night Sunday and the early hours of Monday). I was among the worshippers at All Saints Anglican Church, Wuse Zone 5 when the Primate, then Bishop of Abuja Diocese, mounted the pulpit to preach the 7 am Communion Service Sermon. He took his Text from Exodus 14:13-15 against the background of a nation and its people, that seemed to be now at the point of exhaustion, and suffering from the trauma of irreversible frustration, as a result of seemingly unanswered prayers by a God, who seemed too far away to hear, or whose Hand had apparently become too short to save them from the calamity of dictatorial rule and exploitation: “Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.Then the LORD said to Moses, “why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on…”. After a brief interval of spiritual introspection the “Lion” of All Saints Church and Bishop of Abuja Diocese, confronted his Maker- he dared to challenge God! Looking earnestly upwards to heaven, he addressed the Trinitarian and Omnipotent God, in exhortations which went something like this: “God, I know that you answer prayers and I know that even now you are there and hear us. I know this because I am your Bishop, shepherd of your flock. But these people sitting down here no longer believe that you are there, they have broken down in despair because you have so far, inspite of endless prayers, not heeded their prayerful request to heal this nation. I tell them of your omnipotence and everlasting love for them, but they no longer believe me. But Lord, I believe and have faith in you, because I am your Bishop. Lord, heal their unbelief and strengthen their faith. Do something! Show that you are the God of heaven and earth, and that your omnipotence endures forever. Do something! Do something!! I thank you Lord for answered prayers.” Then, turning belligerently to the congregation he shouted, “why are you crying to God?” Do something yourself –give praise and thanksgiving, even as things stand now. The scriptures say, in all things give thanks! Let us now pray with thanksgiving, in full assurance of answered prayers.”That Sunday night, our God who neither slumbers nor sleep, who is not deaf that he cannot hear while we pray, and whose hand is not too short that he cannot save, gave his thunderous reply from his celestial abode in the Heavens of Heavens. No cloud covered the brilliant night sky that Sunday night, and no rain threatened; then suddenly, at about the midnight hour, there came the Almighty roar of salvoes upon salvoes of dry thunder, preceded by flashes of lightning which rent and cris-crossed the Abuja skies; this went on unremittingly for about an hour. In the morning, a dazed and incredulous nation heard the news; it was clear to those of us of little faith, that the Lord God Almighty reigneth! Our God is a consuming fire!! To Him be the glory. Gloria In Excelsis!But the result of the Primate’s prayerful exploits on this occasion, was not known to TIME, and therefore could not have been the reason why he was bestowed with the honour of “African Personality Award” of the Year 2006. But the encounter equipped him with the faith and courage, which enabled him to deal with the confrontation with other Bishops which lay ahead. A less courageous leader could have dodged the crisis, which had the potential capacity to under-mine the faith of many Christians in the Church of God –not only in Nigeria but all over the world. For a man who “wrestled” with God, and had his faith vindicated, what is man, according to Isaiah, that he should be afraid of him, particularly when executing Christ’s mandate of universal evangelism? For this lion-hearted man of God, the Great Commission issued by the Lord Jesus to, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”, means evangelism without national frontiers, or ecumenical Marginot Line or forbidden doctrinal sanctuaries. When the Call came for the defense of the integrity of God’s Word and the execution of Christ’s command, against proselytizing priests, and other manifestations of religious kant and apostasy, he knew exactly where to cast his lot. This servant of the Most High God, who rose from being a mere carpenter to become Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) knew, instinctively, that his hour had come, and that he was born and sanctified for this very purpose –to defend the faith against all those who attempt to replace the truth of the Gospel, with their own version of the, “gospel of easy salvation”. Rejecting the tempting delusions of accommodation with evil, he chose instead to uphold the faith, undiluted. Rather than partake in the frivolity of convenience Christianity, in the name of progress and modernity for the sake of cheap popularity and the praise of his peers, he chose the cross of alienation by his fellow clergymen. Indeed, for those familiar with his ways, his spiritually inspired principled stand against the might of revisionist gospellers in the Christian Churches of the Northern hemisphere, was as predictable as it was inevitable. But what gives his opposition validity and integrity, is that he regards the fight for the soul and sanctity of the Church, against the depredation of deviant homosexual Priests, as the Lord’s –and not as some say –a personal ego trip. Moreover, his avowed intent is not to discredit others, but to engage in peaceful dialogue that could lead to voluntary repentance and re-absorption into the true fellowship of the Holy Priesthood, as ordained by Christ.What may, sometimes, appear to his critics, as brow-beating and impatient haste, is actually the intensity of his earnestness to “move on”; for him there is no standing still or backsliding. Indeed, what best encapsulates his work ethos, in regard to evangelism, is the theme he chose for the Second Session of the Sixth Synod of the Abuja Diocese held at All Saints Church, Wuse zone 5 (May 11-14, 2006):“Work, For The Night Is Coming”. This text is taken from John 9:4. Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work”.So, he has no patience with those who advocate for pampering tolerance and patience, to allow the march of history, reverse the aberration of Priestly homosexuality and same-sex marriage, being foisted on the Church by a handful of Bishops and other church leaders, sworn to uphold, and preach the truth of the gospel, and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, in which you will not find accommodation with the evil of immorality and sexual permissiveness. Indeed, his sense of urgency to have things done NOW, while it is day, is legendary and well-known within the Nigerian Anglican Communion hierarchy. While others spend 20-50 years to complete the building of Cathedrals, Akinola built his Cathedral –Cathedral of the Advent –in one year! The uncompleted Christian Ecumenical Centre, which had stood as the Christian shame of Abuja for over 20 years, was within 4 years speedily completed under his leadership as President of CAN, and now stands as the breath-taking, glittering architectural showpiece of Abuja metropolis. The ordination of Bishops that, heretofore, was a few and far between event, for Akinola as Primate, there has been a harvest of newly ordained Bishops every so often, in order to meet with the demands of his purpose-driven evangelism –to spread the sweet fragrance of the aroma of Christ, through the preaching of the gospel, throughout the nation and beyond, where spiritually starving souls are waiting to be nourished. He is the Bishop not of tomorrow, but the Apostle of Salvation today –NOW! Also, he regards punctuality to religious events or church services in the same light. For him, there are no excusable or extenuating circumstances for lateness –for putting church service on hold, because of the late arrival of some dignitaries and V.I.P’s. When this occurs, his usual response is an aggressive, “How dare you keep the Lord’s servant waiting?’ -no matter who you are. Apart from his example of boldness, he has emancipated the Nigerian Anglican Church, from the thralldom and serfdom of religious neo-colonialism, brought about by its financial dependency on the Mother Church in England, and has thus bequeathed to the Nigerian Anglican Church, the priceless legacy of liberty to assert its independence and distinct individuality.So in the person of His Grace the Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola, you have the combination of the qualities of the prophetic Moses of The Old Testament Scriptures, and the earnestness and impetuosity of the evangelic Apostle Peter of the New Testament, on whom Christ bestowed the mantle of Shepherd of the church universal. Those who scorn his effervescent evangelism, or deride the rectitude of his unbending faith, need only remember, that the call to which he has answered is the Lord’s, and to him only be ascribed the majesty and honour of his purpose-driven life, in Christ Jesus. Our Lord Jesus Christ said to his disciples, “you did not choose me, I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit –fruit that will last” (John 15:16). This is Primate Akinola’s inheritance from the Lord, an inheritance crowned with a crown of thorns, as was fore-ordained, and presciently fore–knew by the Lord in Jeremiah:“My inheritance has become to me like a lion in the forest.She roars at me; therefore I hate her.Has not my inheritance become to melike a speckled bird of preythat other birds of prey surround and attack?(Jeremiah 12:8)But thanks be to God, for Christ has given us the victory in the person of his servant Peter Jasper Akinola, who has dared to stand up for Christ –unashamed or intimidated by the sneers of detractors, because the God of all comfort has assured:“In this world you will have troubleBut take heart! I have overcome the world”This is the victory that will be celebrated in a Special Thanksgiving Service for His Grace, The Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola CON, DD on Saturday 14th October, 2006 at the National Christian Centre, Abuja. The event, which is ecumenical in scope, is being organized by the Fellowship of Christian Patriots, (FCP), in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). It is essentially a service of praise, worship, adoration and thanksgiving; and over 5,000 Christians of diverse faiths, including more than 100 Archbishops and Bishops, both from within and outside Nigeria are expected to participate.The Fellowship Of Christian Patriots (FCP) is a group of Nigerians, whose aim is to promote Christian values and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, ethics in governance, ecumenism, and religious tolerance. All such like minded persons, are invited to be part of it, so that together we can turn this nation around to seek the face of God –in good works, service, praise and adoration. Seek the Lord, while he may yet be foundWork, for the night is coming when no-one can work.

ANGLICANS SET TO RENEW LINKS WITH CHINESE CHRISTIANS AS ARCHBISHOPS PAY MISSION EXPLORATORY VISIT

ANGLICANS SET TO RENEW LINKS WITH CHINESE CHRISTIANS AS ARCHBISHOPS PAY MISSION EXPLORATORY VISIT
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INVITATION
While attending the installation of the Archbishop John Chew as the Anglican Primate of South East Asia in February 2006, Archbishop Akinola met with some Chinese Christian leaders who repeatedly invited him to visit the country. The Nigeria Primate and his South East Asia counterpart the Most Rev. John Chew decided to jointly visit the vast country in July 2006. As usual with Abp. Akinola, he went along with a serving bishop of the Church of Nigeria. This time, he was accompanied by the archbishop of Ibadan ecclesiastical province, the Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa.

OFFICIAL RECEPTION
The three Anglican archbishops began the historic visit in Beijing; the country’s capital where they were received by Bishop Michael Fu Tie Shan in the “Great Hall of the People” Bishop Fu Tie Shan is the vice president of the National Peoples Congress, the highest legislative arm of the Chinese government. They also met with Mr. Ye Xiao Wen the Director General (Minister) of the Chinese State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA). A national ministry in charge of religious affairs.


MEETINGS
The Nigerian archbishops went on to visit the China Catholic Theological Seminary, the China Islam Association and the Nigeria Embassy meeting with the leaders and members of the various institutions. Everywhere, the political and church leaders were all interested in partnering with the Nigerians. The recurring theme was on how we can work together to make this world a better place. Areas of possible collaboration between Nigeria and China were discussed.
Apart from Beijing, Cities and provinces visited included Jinan, Shan Dong province, Yangjing Qing Dao, Jiang Su, Nanjing, Yi Xing and Shanghai, in a very interested 10 day journey. Every where, meetings were held with Church pastors, the provincial Religious Affairs Bureaus (RAB), Christian Councils, and the Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) which is the protestant grouping in China. Experiences were shared and lessons were learnt by both the visitors and the hosts. Other leaders include Hon. Oluwole Coker, the Nigerian Ambassador, Bishop Jin Lu Xian and Rev Dr Cao Sheng-jie, the president of the China Christian Council

Bishop K.H. Ting
The retired nonagenarian Anglican Bishop K. H Ting was especially delighted to see the Anglican bishops and he praised the leadership of Most Rev. Peter Akinola and other Anglican global south primates in keeping and sharing the faith. A hero that survived China’s repression of religion many years ago, he prayed that Nigerian’s evangelical fervor will soon be impacted upon China. As emeritus President of the China Christian council and emeritus Chairman TSPM, he continues to wield enormous influence as a Chinese Christian authority.



EVANGELISM POTENTIAL
The archbishops were impressed with the size, population, and economic development of the great country. They were however challenged that the less than 3% of the population is Christian. As evangelicals, China presents to them, a very fertile ground ready for evangelism.
A visit to nearby Amity printing press in Nanjing shows that China is ready for such a gospel explosion as bibles are being churned out in their millions from this expansive printing concern. Also of interest is the ease at which different translations could be produced. More than three Nigerian languages were noticed being printed there. Nigeria is considering ordering the production of the Fulfulde bible to aid the recent Fulani mission as it reaches out to over 20 million unreached people in West Africa.

China’s Theological Seminaries also betray a readiness for such an evangelistic move. Seminaries visited included the China Catholic Theological Seminary in Beijing, Yanjing Theological Seminary, and Jing-Ling Theological Seminary. Boosting very impressive infrastructures, they stand out as models of environments conducive for the training of Christian ministers.

PLACES OF INTEREST
A visit to China without seeing the famous Great Wall is incomplete and Archbishops Akinfenwa and Akinola were not allowed to make the trip a strictly business one. The Chinese seem proud to show off their country and the did so in style taking the Nigerians to the ‘Great Wall’, the ‘Forbidden City’, Restored Churches, Museums, Factories, and Agricultural projects. It was an ‘eye- opener’ says Abp. Akinfenwa. “One cannot but appreciate the patriotism, dedication, and hard work of the people of China.” It also afforded them the opportunity to meet with the ordinary citizens, workers, and tourists with whom they freely discussed and took pictures.
While attending Sunday worship in a capacity filled church during the trip, Abp. Akinola was invited to address the congregation. The Nigerians were surprised at the end of the service as people, young and old, male and female, surrounded them after the service, requiring from them, autographs on personal bibles and hymn books.

FUTURE
The People’s Republic of China is opening up in many ways. The government should be commended for the support they give to the churches. Due to pressure of other engagements, Abp. John Chew could only be at the first part of the visit, but is expected to join the Global South delegation which is being expected back in China next year. This visit should strengthen the already established ties and seek to re-integrate the Chinese Church back into the Anglican family.
A strengthening of the now established relationship also opens up a vast field of hundreds of millions of people who can now hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Already, Abp. Akinola has hinted the Church of Nigeria of the urgent need to source for missionaries, evangelists, and funding for the great task ahead. The importance of prayers cannot be over-stressed and for the millions of people, who need to hear of the saving grace of God in Jesus the Christ, all are invited to pray for supply of the necessary resources and that the doors of opportunity will remain opened.
ENDS

New bishops elected for Uyo and Jalingo Dioceses.

New bishops elected for Uyo and Jalingo Dioceses.

CONN/0660906


25 September 2006.

Press Release

ELECTION OF BISHOPS FOR UYO AND JALINGO DIOCESES
The Episcopal Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), which was held in St’ Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, on Saturday, September, 16, 2006, elected the Venerable Isaac Orama of St’ Andrew’s Church Rumuobiokani, Port Harcourt to the vacant See of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state. Also elected at the same meeting was the Rev. Canon Timothy Yahaya of St’ Luke’s Cathedral, Birnin Kebbi to the vacant See of Jalingo, Taraba State.

The position of the Bishop of Uyo became vacant with the retirement of Most Revd Emmanuel Nglass in June this year while Jalingo became vacant due to the translation of the Rt. Revd Simon Mutum in August 2006 to be bishop of the non geographic nomadic mission.

Ven. Orama 50, is the Diocesan Missioner for the diocese of Niger-Delta North while Canon Yahaya 39 is Canon-in-residence in Diocese of Kebbi’s Cathedral. The date and venue for their consecration will be announced later.

Signed

The Rev. Canon AkinTunde Popoola
Director Communication

Global South Primates’ Meeting The Anglican Communion Kigali, Rwanda September 2006 Communiqué

Kigali Communiqué, September 2006
Global South Primates’ Meeting The Anglican Communion Kigali, Rwanda September 2006 Communiqué ________________________________________
1. As Primates and Leaders of the Global South Provinces of the Anglican Communion we gathered at the Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali, Rwanda, between 19th and 22nd September 2006. We were called together by the Global South Steering Committee and its chairman, Archbishop Peter J. Akinola. Twenty provinces were represented at the meeting*. We are extremely grateful for the warm welcome shown to us by the Right Honorable Bernard Makuza, Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, and the hospitality provided by Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini, members of the House of Bishops of the Church of Rwanda and all of the members of the local organizing committee.
2. We have gathered in Rwanda twelve years after the genocide that tragically engulfed this nation and even its churches. During this time Rwanda was abandoned to its fate by the world. Our first action was to visit the Kigali Genocide Museum at Gisozi for a time of prayer and reflection. We were chastened by this experience and commit ourselves not to abandon the poor or the persecuted wherever they may be and in whatever circumstances. We add our voices to theirs and we say, “Never Again!”
3. As we prayed and wept at the mass grave of 250,000 helpless victims we confronted the utter depravity and inhumanity to which we are all subject outside of the transforming grace of God. We were reminded again that faith in Jesus Christ must be an active, whole-hearted faith if we are to stand against the evil and violence that threaten to consume our world. We were sobered by the reality that several of our Provinces are presently in the middle of dangerous conflicts. We commit ourselves to intercession for them.
4. We are very aware of the agonizing situation in the Sudan. We appreciate and commend the terms of the Sudanese Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the North and the South. We dare not, however, close our eyes to the devastating situation in Darfur. We are conscious of the complexities but there must be no continuation of the slaughter. We invite people from all of the Provinces of the Anglican Communion and the entire international community to stand in solidarity with the men, women and children in Darfur, Sudan.
5. We are here as a people of hope and we have been greatly encouraged as we have witnessed the reconciling power of God’s love at work as this nation of Rwanda seeks to rebuild itself. We have been pleased to hear of positive developments in the neighboring country of Burundi as they have recently completed a cease-fire agreement between their government and the Palipehutu-FNL. We are also beginning to see an end to the conflict in Northern Uganda and we note that the Democratic Republic of the Congo is approaching a historic election that offers promise for a peaceful future. All of these developments are occasions for hope for the future.
6. We have met here as a growing fellowship of Primates and leaders of churches in the Global South representing more than 70 percent of the active membership of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We build on and reaffirm the work of our previous meetings, especially our most recent gathering in Egypt in October 2005. We are mindful of the challenges that face our Communion and recommit ourselves to the abiding truth of the Holy Scriptures and the faithful proclamation of the whole Gospel for the whole world. We recommit ourselves to the vision of our beloved Communion as part of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
7. We recognize that because of the ongoing conflict in the Communion many people have lost hope that we will come to any resolution in the foreseeable future. We are grateful therefore, that one sign of promise is the widespread support for the development of an Anglican Covenant. We are delighted to affirm the extraordinary progress made by the Global South task group on developing an Anglican Covenant. For the past year they have labored on this important task and we look forward to submitting the result of their labor to the rest of the Communion. We are pleased that the Archbishop of Canterbury has recognized the exemplary scholarship and leadership of Archbishop Drexel Gomez in asking him to chair the Covenant Design Group and look forward with anticipation to the crucial next steps of this historic venture. We believe that an Anglican Covenant will demonstrate to the world that it is possible to be a truly global communion where differences are not affirmed at the expense of faith and truth but within the framework of a common confession of faith and mutual accountability.
8. We have come together as Anglicans and we celebrate the gift of Anglican identity that is ours today because of the sacrifice made by those who have gone before us. We grieve that, because of the doctrinal conflict in parts of our Communion, there is now a growing number of congregations and dioceses in the USA and Canada who believe that their Anglican identity is at risk and are appealing to us so that they might remain faithful members of the Communion. As leaders of that Communion we will work together to recognize the Anglican identity of all who receive, hold and maintain the Scriptures as the Word of God written and who seek to live in godly fellowship within our historic ordering.
9. We deeply regret that, at its most recent General Convention, The Episcopal Church gave no clear embrace of the minimal recommendations of the Windsor Report. We observe that a number of the resolutions adopted by the Convention were actually contrary to the Windsor Report. We are further dismayed to note that their newly elected Presiding Bishop also holds to a position on human sexuality – not to mention other controversial views – in direct contradiction of Lambeth 1.10 and the historic teaching of the Church. The actions and decisions of the General Convention raise profound questions on the nature of Anglican identity across the entire Communion.
10. We are, however, greatly encouraged by the continued faithfulness of the Network Dioceses and all of the other congregations and communities of faithful Anglicans in North America. In addition, we commend the members of the Anglican Network in Canada for their commitment to historic, biblical faith and practice. We value their courage and consistent witness. We are also pleased by the emergence of a wider circle of ‘Windsor Dioceses’ and urge all of them to walk more closely together and deliberately work towards the unity that Christ enjoins. We are aware that a growing number of congregations are receiving oversight from dioceses in the Global South and in recent days we have received requests to provide Alternative Primatial Oversight for a number of dioceses. This is an unprecedented situation in our Communion that has not been helped by the slow response from the Panel of Reference. After a great deal of prayer and deliberation, and in order to support these faithful Anglican dioceses and parishes, we have come to agreement on the following actions:
a. We have asked the Global South Steering Committee to meet with the leadership of the dioceses requesting Alternative Primatial Oversight, in consultation with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Network and the ‘Windsor Dioceses’, to investigate their appeal in greater detail and to develop a proposal identifying the ways by which the requested Primatial oversight can be adequately provided.
b. At the next meeting of the Primates in February 2007 some of us will not be able to recognize Katharine Jefferts Schori as a Primate at the table with us. Others will be in impaired communion with her as a representative of The Episcopal Church. Since she cannot represent those dioceses and congregations who are abiding by the teaching of the Communion we propose that another bishop, chosen by these dioceses, be present at the meeting so that we might listen to their voices during our deliberations.
c. We are convinced that the time has now come to take initial steps towards the formation of what will be recognized as a separate ecclesiastical structure of the Anglican Communion in the USA. We have asked the Global South Steering Committee to develop such a proposal in consultation with the appropriate instruments of unity of the Communion. We understand the serious implications of this determination. We believe that we would be failing in our apostolic witness if we do not make this provision for those who hold firmly to a commitment to historic Anglican faith.
11. While we are concerned about the challenges facing our Anglican structures we are also very much aware that these issues can be a distraction from the work of the Gospel. At our meeting in Kigali we invested a great deal of our time on the day-to-day challenges that confront our various Churches including poverty eradication, HIV/AIDS, peace building and church planting. We were enormously encouraged by the reports of growth and vitality in the many different settings where we live and serve. 12. We received a preliminary report from the Theological Formation and Education (TFE) Task Force. We were pleased to hear of their plans to provide opportunities for theological formation from the most basic catechism to graduate level training for new and existing Anglican leaders. We request that all Global South provinces share their existing Catechisms and other educational resources with the TFE Task Force for mutual enrichment. We were pleased by their determination to network with other theological institutions and theologians in the Global South as well as with scholars and seminaries who share a similar vision for theological education that is faithful to Scripture and tradition.
13. We were blessed by the presence of a number of Economic Officers (Advisors) from around the Communion. Their determination to find creative ways to offer means of Economic Empowerment< at various levels throughout the provinces of the Global South was an inspiration to all of us and resulted in the issuing of a separate summary statement. We note especially their proposed Ethical Economic and Financial Covenant that we adopted as Primates and commended for adoption at all levels of our Provinces. We were impressed by their vision and fully support their proposal to convene an Economic Empowerment consultation in 2007 with participation invited from every Global South Province.
14. We received ‘The Road to Lambeth,’ a draft report commissioned by the Primates of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) which they have commended to their churches for study and response. It highlights the crisis that now confronts us as we consider the future of the Lambeth Conference. We commend this report for wider reflection.
15. We were challenged by a presentation on the interface between Christianity and Islam and the complex issues that we must now confront at every level of our societies throughout the Global South. We recognized the need for a more thorough education and explored a number of ways that allow us to be faithful disciples to Jesus Christ while respecting the beliefs of others. We condemn all acts of violence in the name of any religion.
16. Throughout our time together in Kigali we have not only shared in discussions such as these we have also spent time together in table fellowship, prayer and worship. We are grateful that because of the time that we have shared our lives have been strengthened and our love for Christ, His Church and His world confirmed. Accordingly, we pray for God’s continued blessing on all members of our beloved Communion that we might all be empowered to continue in our mission to a needy and troubled world.
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)
* Provinces Represented:
Bangladesh**, Burundi, Central Africa, Church of South India, Congo, Indian Ocean, Jerusalem and Middle East, Kenya, Myanmar, Nigeria, Philippines**, Rwanda, Southern Africa, South East Asia, Southern Cone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, West Indies (** Not present but represented)