Church of Nigeria elects Ten Bishops
By Peter Onwubuariri
CONN/040105
Updates: Church of Nigeria now has 91 dioceses
Abuja, Jan. 24, 2004- The Episcopal Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has announced the election of ten new Bishops.
In a statement issued at the weekend in Abuja, Director of Communication of the Church of Nigeria, The Rev Canon Tunde Popoola said the election was made at the Bishops’ meeting held in The Chapel of St Peter, Ibru Centre Agbarha-Otor in Delta state.
The names of the new Bishops are the Very Revd Ezekiel Ayodele Awosoga, formerly the provost of the Cathedral of Our Saviour Ijebu is now the Bishop of the Diocese of Ijebu.
The Revd Canon Solomon Gberegbara, formerly of St. Simon’s Church, Deken, as Bishop of Ogoni Missionary Diocese.
The Very Revd Mathew Osunade, formerly of The Cathedral of St. James. Ibadan, as Bishop of Ogbomoso Missionary Diocese.
The Venerable Samuel Chibueze Chukwuka, formerly of All Saints’ Catheral, Onitsha, as Bishop of Isikwuato Missionary Diocese.
The Revd Canon Johnson Chibueze Onuoha, formerly of Our Saviour’s Church, Garki, Abuja, as Bishop of Arochukwu/Ohafia Missionary Diocese.
The Venerable Joseph N. Musa, formerly of St. James’ Church Suleja, as Bishop of Idah Missionary Diocese.
The Rev. Chigozirim Onyegbule, formerly of Holy Trinity Church, Ubakala, Umuahia, as Bishop of Ikwuano Missionary Diocese.
The Venerable Duke Timothy Akamisoko, formerly Director Ecumenism and Inter-Faith Dialogue in the Primate’s Office, Abuja, as Bishop of Zonkwa Missionary Diocese.
The Venerable Babatunde Joseph Adeyemi, formerly of The Church of Pentecost Festac Town, Lagos, as Bishop of Badagry Missionary Diocese.
Also, The Rt. Rev Simon Bala, formely Bishop of Gusau Diocese in Zamfara Sate was elected the Bishop of Kubwa Diocese in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He is on translation.
The consecration of the new Bishops has been fixed for March 13, 2005 at the Cathedral Church of the Advent Gwarinpa, Abuja.
Church of Nigeria News (CONN) reports that the Episcopal synod last September approved the creation of additional nine dioceses, bringing the total number of dioceses to 91.
The Nigerian church has ten ecclesiastical provinces each administered by an Archbishop. The provinces include Kaduna, Jos, Abuja and Ibadan. Others are Lagos, Ondo, Bendel, Niger-Delta, Owerri and On the Niger.
Monday, 24 January 2005
Thursday, 20 January 2005
Diocese of Jos celebrates 25th Anniversary
Diocese of Jos celebrates 25th Anniversary
By Susan Essam and Peter Onwubuariri
CONN/030105
Abuja, Jan 20, 2005 - The Anglican Diocese of Jos held its 25th anniversary at St Luke's Cathedral Jos, on January 10.
The event included the launching of the diocesan booklet containing photographs of the past and present Bishops of Jos namely The Rt. Rev Samuel Ebo (1980-1984), The Rt. Rev T.E Adesola (1985-1991) and the Rt. Benjamin Kwasi (1992- ), as well as a special Holy Eucharistic service.
Bishop Kwashi used the occasion of his sermon to announce the preferment of seven canons into the position of Archdeacons, as well as to kick-start the diocesan theme for 2005, Walking in the Light.
The preferred canons and their new areas of supervision are Rev. Canon Austin Eboh as Archdeacon of Pankshin Archdeaconry, Rev. Canon Chijioke Nlem as Archdeacon of Jos Central Archdeaconry, Rev. Canon Emmanuel Nyitsse as Archdeacon of Jos South Archdeaconry and Rev. Canon Jwan B. N. Zhumbes as Archdeacon Special Duties.
Others include Rev. Canon Stanley Fube as Archdeacon of Vom Archdeaconry, Rev. Canon Olumuyiwa Ajayi as Archdeacon of Cathedral Archdeaconry and Rev. Canon Henry Okozi as Archdeacon of Bukuru Archdeaconry.
Rt. Rev Benjamin Kwashi, Bishop of Jos
On their preferment, the Bishop extolled the clerics as those who have made themselves available models in the service and ministry of the gospel.
“They have shown themselves honorable, trustworthy, willing and able to serve without counting the cost, and so we bring them before you for prayers and for support as they lead this Diocese in the next phase of our mission enterprise,’’ he said.
Reflecting on the strides of the Diocese of Jos in the past twenty five years, the diocesan said "we must thank God that Jos Diocese may not have been where it should be, but definitely we have moved forward.’’
Moving forward has brought the carving out of five more dioceses from the Old Jos diocese including Yola (1990), Makurdi (1990), Jalingo (1996), Otukpo (1996) and Lafia (1999).
Moving forward has also brought pains and gains as well. Some paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The Bishop acknowledged one of such as Bishop Adesola’s wife, who died in the `midst of huge responsibility’. The Bishop retired short after that incident.
He (Adesola) was one of the pioneer Bishops. He carried on from where Bishop Ebo stopped and he would be fondly remembered for splitting the Diocese into three in 1990, with Makurdi Diocese and Yola Diocese becoming missionary dioceses, leaving Jos with an area covering the present Plateau and Nasarawa States.
Looking ahead into the year, the Bishop stated that the focus of the clergy school, the synod and the entire ministry of Jos Diocese would be spurred on by the theme,
Walking in the Light.
His words: To be light means to preach and to teach what we believe and to live out what we preach and teach in the society. It also means that we must be honest in financial matters, in dealing with each other, regardless of sex or race or tribe for that matter.
On the relevance of the theme to the nation, he challenged believers to lead the campaign for truth and justice in the country but warned “it may cost our life; it will be lonely; it will be tough, rough and difficult, but what is our life worth now other than investing it in the eternal truth”.
By Susan Essam and Peter Onwubuariri
CONN/030105
Abuja, Jan 20, 2005 - The Anglican Diocese of Jos held its 25th anniversary at St Luke's Cathedral Jos, on January 10.
The event included the launching of the diocesan booklet containing photographs of the past and present Bishops of Jos namely The Rt. Rev Samuel Ebo (1980-1984), The Rt. Rev T.E Adesola (1985-1991) and the Rt. Benjamin Kwasi (1992- ), as well as a special Holy Eucharistic service.
Bishop Kwashi used the occasion of his sermon to announce the preferment of seven canons into the position of Archdeacons, as well as to kick-start the diocesan theme for 2005, Walking in the Light.
The preferred canons and their new areas of supervision are Rev. Canon Austin Eboh as Archdeacon of Pankshin Archdeaconry, Rev. Canon Chijioke Nlem as Archdeacon of Jos Central Archdeaconry, Rev. Canon Emmanuel Nyitsse as Archdeacon of Jos South Archdeaconry and Rev. Canon Jwan B. N. Zhumbes as Archdeacon Special Duties.
Others include Rev. Canon Stanley Fube as Archdeacon of Vom Archdeaconry, Rev. Canon Olumuyiwa Ajayi as Archdeacon of Cathedral Archdeaconry and Rev. Canon Henry Okozi as Archdeacon of Bukuru Archdeaconry.
Rt. Rev Benjamin Kwashi, Bishop of Jos
On their preferment, the Bishop extolled the clerics as those who have made themselves available models in the service and ministry of the gospel.
“They have shown themselves honorable, trustworthy, willing and able to serve without counting the cost, and so we bring them before you for prayers and for support as they lead this Diocese in the next phase of our mission enterprise,’’ he said.
Reflecting on the strides of the Diocese of Jos in the past twenty five years, the diocesan said "we must thank God that Jos Diocese may not have been where it should be, but definitely we have moved forward.’’
Moving forward has brought the carving out of five more dioceses from the Old Jos diocese including Yola (1990), Makurdi (1990), Jalingo (1996), Otukpo (1996) and Lafia (1999).
Moving forward has also brought pains and gains as well. Some paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The Bishop acknowledged one of such as Bishop Adesola’s wife, who died in the `midst of huge responsibility’. The Bishop retired short after that incident.
He (Adesola) was one of the pioneer Bishops. He carried on from where Bishop Ebo stopped and he would be fondly remembered for splitting the Diocese into three in 1990, with Makurdi Diocese and Yola Diocese becoming missionary dioceses, leaving Jos with an area covering the present Plateau and Nasarawa States.
Looking ahead into the year, the Bishop stated that the focus of the clergy school, the synod and the entire ministry of Jos Diocese would be spurred on by the theme,
Walking in the Light.
His words: To be light means to preach and to teach what we believe and to live out what we preach and teach in the society. It also means that we must be honest in financial matters, in dealing with each other, regardless of sex or race or tribe for that matter.
On the relevance of the theme to the nation, he challenged believers to lead the campaign for truth and justice in the country but warned “it may cost our life; it will be lonely; it will be tough, rough and difficult, but what is our life worth now other than investing it in the eternal truth”.
Tuesday, 4 January 2005
Church of Nigeria gets new Acting Director of Youth and Women Affairs
CONN/010105
By Peter Onwubuariri
January 4, 2005- The Revd. Canon Benjamin Idume has joined the Abuja Secretariat of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as the new Acting Director of Youth and Women Affairs.
Until his appointment, he was Vicar of the Good Shepherd Church Port Harcourt, Rivers State in the Diocese of Niger Delta North.
Ordained in 1996, Canon Idume has been involved in youth ministry as a lay worker in addition to having served as the National Prayer Director of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nigeria), 1987-2001.
"The youth and women are the livewire of the Church and they constitute 70 per cent of our congregation in the Nigerian Church. One major challenge is to improve youth participation in the Anglican worship and to stir our women into committed service to Our God," Canon Idume told the Church of Nigeria News.
He is married to Joy and blessed with three children. His appointment took effect from January 1, 2005.
CONN/010105
By Peter Onwubuariri
January 4, 2005- The Revd. Canon Benjamin Idume has joined the Abuja Secretariat of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as the new Acting Director of Youth and Women Affairs.
Until his appointment, he was Vicar of the Good Shepherd Church Port Harcourt, Rivers State in the Diocese of Niger Delta North.
Ordained in 1996, Canon Idume has been involved in youth ministry as a lay worker in addition to having served as the National Prayer Director of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (Nigeria), 1987-2001.
"The youth and women are the livewire of the Church and they constitute 70 per cent of our congregation in the Nigerian Church. One major challenge is to improve youth participation in the Anglican worship and to stir our women into committed service to Our God," Canon Idume told the Church of Nigeria News.
He is married to Joy and blessed with three children. His appointment took effect from January 1, 2005.
Friday, 31 December 2004
NEW YEAR MESSAGE
NEW YEAR MESSAGE
As we stand at the portal of the New Year and cast a glance around we recognize that there is a great deal to thank God for as individuals, as a Nation and as the Church of God. We must thank God for our lives as individuals, for collective peace and giant strides at various levels of national endeavour evidenced by an atmosphere of calm in our industrial sector the academic institutions and in religious affairs. In the Christian Church, the various denominations: the Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Aladura Church, the Methodist Church are providing leadership for the continent of Africa and are also carrying increased responsibility within the Church universal.
There is also in the same breadth a lot to hope for in the year ahead. The successful implementation of the ongoing reform holds the promise of a better and sound economic future whilst the political reform which consolidates the interdependent nature of our diverse make-up as a nation will make for a more peaceful environment with election rigging becoming a punishable crime!
We must also quickly register our utmost displeasure with and condemnation of the ongoing raving madness in the political arena. The unfolding scenario is disgusting, and most disturbing and certainly most unnecessary. It is a great concern to all people and the nation at large.
The feverish warming up to 2007 elections which preoccupies the political class to the utter exclusion of anything and everything is not only dangerous but counter productive. Many are wont to count their chickens before the egg is hatched, playing god and behaving as if tomorrow is in their hands.
Rather than concentrating on effective management of State, there is consumed preoccupation with the race for 2007 forgetting the wise words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:11 “the race is not for the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favour to the skilful …”
There is need to warn all people to stop playing god as our tomorrow is in God’s hand and in the words of James 4:14 & 15, “…yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say “if the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that”.
In this New Year, 2005, let us all concentrate our best efforts and talents at dealing with the issues at hand, namely: good governance – political tolerance, provision and adequate maintenance of all essential infrastructure, the need to radiate love of God, to ensure that justice, equity and harmony prevail and taking care of the less privileged.
We remind our politicians that the assurance is there that if they govern well today and perform their assigned responsibilities creditably, their achievements will speak in glorious terms for them tomorrow.
We must never forget that we are here only temporarily and as we come into the New Year, we are reminded “we are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes …” Let us not allow our temporary sojourn here on earth to deny us of eternity with God. As we journey on, we want to make sure that NOTHING in all the world, politics, power, money, vaulting ambition etc. will hinder our goal to make heaven.
I wish you all a fruitful positive and peaceful New Year.
The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola, CON., DD.,
Primate of All Nigeria and the National President of
the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
As we stand at the portal of the New Year and cast a glance around we recognize that there is a great deal to thank God for as individuals, as a Nation and as the Church of God. We must thank God for our lives as individuals, for collective peace and giant strides at various levels of national endeavour evidenced by an atmosphere of calm in our industrial sector the academic institutions and in religious affairs. In the Christian Church, the various denominations: the Anglican Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the Aladura Church, the Methodist Church are providing leadership for the continent of Africa and are also carrying increased responsibility within the Church universal.
There is also in the same breadth a lot to hope for in the year ahead. The successful implementation of the ongoing reform holds the promise of a better and sound economic future whilst the political reform which consolidates the interdependent nature of our diverse make-up as a nation will make for a more peaceful environment with election rigging becoming a punishable crime!
We must also quickly register our utmost displeasure with and condemnation of the ongoing raving madness in the political arena. The unfolding scenario is disgusting, and most disturbing and certainly most unnecessary. It is a great concern to all people and the nation at large.
The feverish warming up to 2007 elections which preoccupies the political class to the utter exclusion of anything and everything is not only dangerous but counter productive. Many are wont to count their chickens before the egg is hatched, playing god and behaving as if tomorrow is in their hands.
Rather than concentrating on effective management of State, there is consumed preoccupation with the race for 2007 forgetting the wise words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:11 “the race is not for the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favour to the skilful …”
There is need to warn all people to stop playing god as our tomorrow is in God’s hand and in the words of James 4:14 & 15, “…yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say “if the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that”.
In this New Year, 2005, let us all concentrate our best efforts and talents at dealing with the issues at hand, namely: good governance – political tolerance, provision and adequate maintenance of all essential infrastructure, the need to radiate love of God, to ensure that justice, equity and harmony prevail and taking care of the less privileged.
We remind our politicians that the assurance is there that if they govern well today and perform their assigned responsibilities creditably, their achievements will speak in glorious terms for them tomorrow.
We must never forget that we are here only temporarily and as we come into the New Year, we are reminded “we are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes …” Let us not allow our temporary sojourn here on earth to deny us of eternity with God. As we journey on, we want to make sure that NOTHING in all the world, politics, power, money, vaulting ambition etc. will hinder our goal to make heaven.
I wish you all a fruitful positive and peaceful New Year.
The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola, CON., DD.,
Primate of All Nigeria and the National President of
the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
Monday, 29 November 2004
Church of Nigeria publishes list of Nigerian Anglican Churches in America
Church of Nigeria publishes list of Nigerian Anglican Churches in America
By Peter Onwubuariri
Nov. 29, 2004 - In its bid to encourage Nigerians in the US to stay away from churches that promote homosexual union, The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has made public the list of Nigerian Anglican Missions in America.
This is coming on the heels of last October announcement in the US by Nigeria’s Primate, Archbishop Peter Akinola of the formation of a network of churches for an estimated 250,000 Nigerian Anglicans resident in America.
Missions registered with the Missioners Office
All Saints Anglican Church, 849 Stuyvesant Avenue, Irvington, New Jersey 0711. Priest-In charge: Ven Dr. Paul U. Ekezie, Rev. Joe Nwachukwu (assistant); Rev. J Irona (associate).
The Anglican Chapel of Resurrection, Indianapolis. Priest in charge: Ven Seye Fagbamiye.
Christ’s Ambassadors Anglican Church, Oklahoma City. Priest in Charge: Rev Nathan Kanu.
All Saints Anglican Church (Chicago Land), Dolphin Lake Club House, 183rd Governors Highway, Homewood, IL 60430. Priest in Charge: Rev. Gbenga Olajide.
Christ Anglican Chapel, 9817 Bissonnet Blk, M. Houston, TX 77036. Priest-in charge Rev. Felix Anyasor.
St Peters Anglican Church, 3617 Abram Road Dallas, TX. Priest in charge: Rev. Canon Okereke; Rev Ugochukwu Okoroafor (assistant).
Holy Faith Episcopal (Anglican) Church Hall, 260 N. Locust Street, Inglewood, CA 90301. Priest in charge Rev Canon Christian Odoemena.
The Vineyard Ministries (Center for Immigrants and the Poor) 1140 Teller Ave., Bronx, New York 1456. Priest in charge: Rev Canon M. Joe Omeokwe Ph. D.
The Church of the Saints (Anglican), 2639 Barrette Street, Richmond, CA. 94804. Priest in charge Rev Dr. Moses Akinlawon.
St Mark’s Anglican Church, Atlanta, GA. Priest in charge: Rev Canon Alex Ibezim.
Confirming the list, Director Communications of the Church of Nigeria, Canon Tunde Popoola said the church decided to publish the list in order to encourage Nigerians resident and visiting the US to worship regularly at any of the centers.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian Church in 2003 severed links with the US Episcopal Church (ECUSA) for consecrating Canon V. Gene Robinson, an openly declared gay, as the Bishop of New Hampshire.
By Peter Onwubuariri
Nov. 29, 2004 - In its bid to encourage Nigerians in the US to stay away from churches that promote homosexual union, The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has made public the list of Nigerian Anglican Missions in America.
This is coming on the heels of last October announcement in the US by Nigeria’s Primate, Archbishop Peter Akinola of the formation of a network of churches for an estimated 250,000 Nigerian Anglicans resident in America.
Missions registered with the Missioners Office
All Saints Anglican Church, 849 Stuyvesant Avenue, Irvington, New Jersey 0711. Priest-In charge: Ven Dr. Paul U. Ekezie, Rev. Joe Nwachukwu (assistant); Rev. J Irona (associate).
The Anglican Chapel of Resurrection, Indianapolis. Priest in charge: Ven Seye Fagbamiye.
Christ’s Ambassadors Anglican Church, Oklahoma City. Priest in Charge: Rev Nathan Kanu.
All Saints Anglican Church (Chicago Land), Dolphin Lake Club House, 183rd Governors Highway, Homewood, IL 60430. Priest in Charge: Rev. Gbenga Olajide.
Christ Anglican Chapel, 9817 Bissonnet Blk, M. Houston, TX 77036. Priest-in charge Rev. Felix Anyasor.
St Peters Anglican Church, 3617 Abram Road Dallas, TX. Priest in charge: Rev. Canon Okereke; Rev Ugochukwu Okoroafor (assistant).
Holy Faith Episcopal (Anglican) Church Hall, 260 N. Locust Street, Inglewood, CA 90301. Priest in charge Rev Canon Christian Odoemena.
The Vineyard Ministries (Center for Immigrants and the Poor) 1140 Teller Ave., Bronx, New York 1456. Priest in charge: Rev Canon M. Joe Omeokwe Ph. D.
The Church of the Saints (Anglican), 2639 Barrette Street, Richmond, CA. 94804. Priest in charge Rev Dr. Moses Akinlawon.
St Mark’s Anglican Church, Atlanta, GA. Priest in charge: Rev Canon Alex Ibezim.
Confirming the list, Director Communications of the Church of Nigeria, Canon Tunde Popoola said the church decided to publish the list in order to encourage Nigerians resident and visiting the US to worship regularly at any of the centers.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian Church in 2003 severed links with the US Episcopal Church (ECUSA) for consecrating Canon V. Gene Robinson, an openly declared gay, as the Bishop of New Hampshire.
Thursday, 25 November 2004
Archbishop Peter Akinola’s Christmas message
Archbishop Peter Akinola’s Christmas message
The Christmas festivity is here with us again with all the feverish preparations for travel, holiday, exchange of gifts, caroling and all manner of celebration. However, it must be realized and understood that we need to make it a period of reflective evaluation of our lives as individuals, our nation and the society at large.
When we x-ray our country today and ourselves as individuals we find striking prevalence of selfishness, greed, avarice, brigandage, pomposity and extravagance. There is also a mad rush to join the bandwagon as no one wants to be left behind. All attempts at sanitizing the situation and curtailing the ravenous appetite for self-aggrandizement continue to be futile.
This Christmas, the focus must be on the reason for the season – Jesus Christ our Saviour the standard.
Jesus Christ left His heavenly glory, majesty and splendour, emptied Himself of all and came down as man in lowliness. Born in a manger for a life of service, in humility to save mankind from eternal destruction and to give a model by which man can be right with God living an acceptable life for the common good of all.
The central lesson for this year’s Christmas therefore is Divine Condescension (God coming down to our level) the greatest symbol of humility. All Nigerians must learn from Christ and be determined to imbibe the lesson of divine condescension.
Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans enjoins the Roman Christians and now us in Romans 12:3 “For I say through the grace given unto me, to everyman that is among you not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think; but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
In this context we must think of what is best for the nation, society and our neighbours instead of slavish preoccupation with what we think is best for us as individuals. We must never forget that if Christ had been so inclined, he would not have come and there will be no Christmas to celebrate.
We call on all leaders, in particular, which includes everyone who holds a position of responsibility or who have position of privilege, to voluntarily and willingly let go instead of holding tight to the power, trappings and grandeur of office and let God use them for the emancipation of the downtrodden and under privileged masses amongst us.
Divine Condescension teaches us that we need not hold on tenaciously to power, influence and position in a mindless, sadistic and desperate manner, but we must exhibit humane and zealous commitment to the liberation of the under privileged. This is time to work relentlessly for the struggling masses for their emergence and growth. We must consciously work for the growth of others, as that is what Christ came to do for humanity.
Companies, corporations and government lavish a lot of money in buying cards and making Hampers, which are given out at this season. That is fine! But we must go further to work assiduously for a more permanent solution to the needs and aspirations of the down trodden and their development because what Christ came to do for us is permanent and eternal. Whichever way we celebrate Christmas without imbibing the full lesson of Divine Condescension and practicing the same amounts to an insult to Christ – the essence of the season.
I challenge ALL Nigerians this Christmas to identify someone or some group or some community in this country who are in NEED and decide to make a difference in their situation.
We all must make this a new emerging and continuing habit.
May the Lord who has come down leaving everything to save us dwell in our hearts richly.
The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola, CON., DD.,
Primate of All Nigeria and the National President of
the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
The Christmas festivity is here with us again with all the feverish preparations for travel, holiday, exchange of gifts, caroling and all manner of celebration. However, it must be realized and understood that we need to make it a period of reflective evaluation of our lives as individuals, our nation and the society at large.
When we x-ray our country today and ourselves as individuals we find striking prevalence of selfishness, greed, avarice, brigandage, pomposity and extravagance. There is also a mad rush to join the bandwagon as no one wants to be left behind. All attempts at sanitizing the situation and curtailing the ravenous appetite for self-aggrandizement continue to be futile.
This Christmas, the focus must be on the reason for the season – Jesus Christ our Saviour the standard.
Jesus Christ left His heavenly glory, majesty and splendour, emptied Himself of all and came down as man in lowliness. Born in a manger for a life of service, in humility to save mankind from eternal destruction and to give a model by which man can be right with God living an acceptable life for the common good of all.
The central lesson for this year’s Christmas therefore is Divine Condescension (God coming down to our level) the greatest symbol of humility. All Nigerians must learn from Christ and be determined to imbibe the lesson of divine condescension.
Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans enjoins the Roman Christians and now us in Romans 12:3 “For I say through the grace given unto me, to everyman that is among you not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think; but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”
In this context we must think of what is best for the nation, society and our neighbours instead of slavish preoccupation with what we think is best for us as individuals. We must never forget that if Christ had been so inclined, he would not have come and there will be no Christmas to celebrate.
We call on all leaders, in particular, which includes everyone who holds a position of responsibility or who have position of privilege, to voluntarily and willingly let go instead of holding tight to the power, trappings and grandeur of office and let God use them for the emancipation of the downtrodden and under privileged masses amongst us.
Divine Condescension teaches us that we need not hold on tenaciously to power, influence and position in a mindless, sadistic and desperate manner, but we must exhibit humane and zealous commitment to the liberation of the under privileged. This is time to work relentlessly for the struggling masses for their emergence and growth. We must consciously work for the growth of others, as that is what Christ came to do for humanity.
Companies, corporations and government lavish a lot of money in buying cards and making Hampers, which are given out at this season. That is fine! But we must go further to work assiduously for a more permanent solution to the needs and aspirations of the down trodden and their development because what Christ came to do for us is permanent and eternal. Whichever way we celebrate Christmas without imbibing the full lesson of Divine Condescension and practicing the same amounts to an insult to Christ – the essence of the season.
I challenge ALL Nigerians this Christmas to identify someone or some group or some community in this country who are in NEED and decide to make a difference in their situation.
We all must make this a new emerging and continuing habit.
May the Lord who has come down leaving everything to save us dwell in our hearts richly.
The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola, CON., DD.,
Primate of All Nigeria and the National President of
the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
Saturday, 20 November 2004
CCN gets new President
CCN gets new President
The Most Revd. Rogers Uwadi, Archbishop of Umuahia, Methodist Church of Nigeria has been elected the new President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN).
He succeeds Most Rev Idowu-Feraon, Archbishop of Kaduna Province of the Anglican Communion, who piloted the affairs of the council in the last three years.
The election was made last week at the 26th Triennial Assembly Conference of the CCN held at the National Ecumenical Centre Abuja.
Other elective positions filled include Vice-President, Rt. Revd. Mathew Owodayo, General Secretary, Rev. I.O. Okorie and Elder Christian Etang.
The Most Revd. Rogers Uwadi, Archbishop of Umuahia, Methodist Church of Nigeria has been elected the new President of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN).
He succeeds Most Rev Idowu-Feraon, Archbishop of Kaduna Province of the Anglican Communion, who piloted the affairs of the council in the last three years.
The election was made last week at the 26th Triennial Assembly Conference of the CCN held at the National Ecumenical Centre Abuja.
Other elective positions filled include Vice-President, Rt. Revd. Mathew Owodayo, General Secretary, Rev. I.O. Okorie and Elder Christian Etang.
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