Download Synod Address 2012 - Diocese of Okigwe South

CHURCH OF NIGERIA
(Anglican Communion)
DIOCESE OF OKIGWE SOUTH
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
DELIVERED TO THE
FIRST SESSION OF THE
SEVENTH SYNOD
BY:
HIS LORDSHP
RT. REV. DAVID O.C. ONUOHA
Bishop, Diocese of Okigwe South
ON: MONDAY 21st MAY 2012
@ ST. PAUL’S CHURCH AVUTU
OBOWO L.G.A., IMO STATE
THEME
THE GREAT COMMISSION:
MY DIVINE ASSIGNMENT
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1. THE Lord is King! Lift up thy voice,
O earth, and all ye heavens, rejoice;
From world to world the joy shall bring
‘The Lord omnipotent is King’!
2. The Lord is King! Who then shall dare
Resist His will, distrust His care.
Or murmur at His wise decrees.
Or doubt His royal promises?
3. He reigns! Ye saints, exalt your strains:
Your God is King, your Father reigns;
And He is at the Father’s side.
The Man of love, the Crucified.
4. Alike pervaded by His eye
All parts of His dominion lie:
This world of ours and worlds unseen,
And thin the boundary between.
5. One Lord one empire all secures;
He reigns, and life and death are yours;
Through earth and heaven one song shall ring
‘The Lord omnipotent is King’!
1.1
Protocol
1.2
In the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen. It is with a heart
full of thanks and gratitude to our Most Holy, Most Worthy and Most
gracious God that I welcome you all to the first session of the seventh synod
of our beloved Diocese. We rejoice at His unlimited grace and favour which
have always been in abundance to us as a Diocese. Despite the
unprecedented level of insecurity, hardship and uncertainties in our society.
Again in spite of our numerous shortcomings as a nation, as a Church, as a
Diocese and as individuals, His steadfastness and mercies are constantly
made new to us every morning. Indeed we are encouraged by constant
fulfillment of His prophesy in the book of Isaiah 54:10:
For the mountains shall depart
And the hills be removed,
But my kindness shall not depart from you
Nor shall My Covenant of peace be removed.
We are blessed to have a God who neither slumbers nor sleeps, who is our
refuge and strength, one who is a tower of refuge, glorious in holiness and
fearful in praises, doing wonders every time. As a Diocese, we hereby
renew our faith and commitment that:
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For this is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide even unto
death.(Ps. 48:14)
1.3
Synod Guests/Resource Persons
a. Rt Rev Samuel Chukuka is not a new person to us in this diocese. He
was our synod preacher in 2008 and 2009 at St Paul’s Cathedral Church
and St Matthias’ Church Umunakanu respectively. He will be speaking to
us tomorrow on the challenges of the Great Commission. We most
warmly welcome him.
b. Ven. Prof. Chinedu Nebo, again is not a new person in our midst. We
recall with gratitude that he preached at my first synod service in 2005 at
St. Cyprian’s Church Umuihi- a sermon that still resonates seven years
after. His performance yesterday was no doubt very captivating,
refreshing and motivating. An outstanding scholar of international repute,
Prof. Nebo is the immediate Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria
Nsukka. His tenure there was a glorious one as the academic calendar
was never disrupted for one day. Almost all abandoned projects that
littered
the
land-space
of
the
university
were
completed
and
commissioned along with new ones. His stewardship there confirmed the
biblical truth that when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.
We most sincerely welcome and congratulate this vessel of honour in God’s
vineyard and his dear wife on his new appointment as the Vice Chancellor
of Federal University Ekiti and on the conferment of the national award of
Officer of the Niger (OON). May God be pleased to continually keep him in
His care, Amen.
c. Ven Obinna Ibezim is an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Aba. An indigene
of Ezeoke Nsu, Ven Obinna is a very dynamic and resourceful clergyman.
For three years he moved our synod motions with distinction. He is here this
year as our bible study leader. We welcome him and his dear wife, Nneka.
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d. Our Synod guest lecturer is His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi (CON),
Governor of Anambra State. A true servant leader and one who is in
government to make a difference, His Excellency has deeply impressed us
with his courageous and time-tasted decisions and policies which have put
Anambra State on the path of economic recovery and moral rebirth. He will
shortly address the synod on the topic: Rebuilding the society through
Godly/Visionary Leadership. We sincerely welcome him and his entourage.
2.0
Venue of the Synod
Avutu situates in the eastern part of Obowo in the present Obowo Local
Government Area of Imo State. The town which was founded by a tribal war
lord by name Avutu, whose skills in the use of knives and guns in warfare
were remarkable, has a population of about fifty thousand people. It is
bounded in the South by the Imo River, in the North-East by Udo Mbaise
and in the South- West by Achara Obowo.
It is an established fact that the problem of the pre-Christian African society
was not theology¸ but Christology. This is true because long before the
advent of the Christian religion, the people had had a well developed
concept of the Almighty God. It is on record that terms like Chiukwu,
Chineke, Chukwu-Okike etc had long been in use before the advent of
Christian missionaries who gladly incorporated these into the new religious
experience. The Supreme Being in the African cosmology was once said to
be very close to man but had to withdraw because of a number of reasons:
a. Disturbance from the tip of the pestle women used to pound fufu (utara)
which would touch heaven whenever it was raised.
b. Disturbance from women having to always rush to God requesting for
either salt or pepper.
c. Naggings by women.
The withdrawal of heaven from the earth created the notion of deus
absconditus(withdrawn God) and deus otiosus (indifferent God), which is
prominent in African religious concept. Before that withdrawal however, the
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earth was left in the hands of deities who were each charged with the
oversight of different aspects of creation. In Avutu, Uramiriukwa, Ogwugwu
and Amadioha held sway. Human sacrifice was regular in the worship of
these deities, while the birth of twins and some sicknesses such as leprosy,
dermatitis etc were seen as taboos. As was the practice then, people
afflicted with such diseases ended up in the bad bush.
2.1.
The Good News Comes to Avutu
We are grateful to God that at a point in time, He beamed His light of
salvation on Avutu people. Some itinerant young traders had while on their
mission come into contact with the gospel. They were so impressed with its
message that they decided to take it home to their people. They had judged
and rightly too that this new religion held a better promise and a brighter
future for their people. In 1919, contacts were made with C.M.S. church Udo
Mbaise (now St. Peter’s Church Ubonukam) for the establishment of a
church in Avutu. These Christian pathfinders included Peter Agamegwa
Njoku, Nwokonkwo Iroadumba, James Okoroafor Anusiem, Joseph Obilawo
Eneregbu, Stephen Nwokafor Diokpara, Joseph Anyanwu, Jacbo Aghamobi
Chukwuocha and Uzo Okoronkwo. These eight men raised money
(okpogho) from among themselves for the mandatory £12 deposit for the
posting of a church teacher. Consequently, the mission headquarters at
Egbu promptly posted a church teacher in the person of Mr. James Anyakie.
It was the traditional ruler of the community, Nwokorie Nwosu Ikeagwu who
provided a temporary place of worship for the young congregation. He also
in conjunction with Ejighiebe Okoronkwo, Joseph Obilawo, Nduneche
Anunuocha and Nwahiri Kekeocha donated the parcels of land where this
compound stands today.
2.2.
Growth and Development
The young congregation built its first place of worship in 1922 which was
dedicated by the late Rev. James Ibeneme. The first to be baptized were
Joseph Obilawo and James Okoroafor Anusiem. This was on the 19th of
July 1923 while Mr.& Mrs. James Okoroafor Anusiem were the first to wed.
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This wedding took place on 4th April 1925. The Rev. Ibeneme officiated in
both ceremonies.
The Church received its first ‘baptism of fire’ in 1925 when it was confronted
with a very strong conspiracy that would have swept it away. A young
maiden from Amuzie Okonkwo family had been betrothed to a prospective
suitor from Umuokoro Umuariam. This marriage was no doubt arranged by
the girl’s parents without any consideration to her opinion. The young lady,
who by this time had become a Christian, became convinced that it was not
good and proper to “be equally yoked with unbelievers”, and consequently
refused to go ahead with this marriage. On getting to know about the girl’s
decision, youth from Umuokoro came in their numbers to forcefully carry this
young lady to her suitor. The lady ran and took refuge in the church. Her
assailants were determined to take her by all means, no wonder they
invaded the church compound. The resident church teacher immediately
rang a ‘double bell’ and the church members promptly assembled, and there
was a free for all fight. These young abductors, overwhelmed by the
determination of the church to protect and defend one of its own, retreated
and headed for the Abadaba native court. The matter was decisively
decided. The church won and the gospel triumphed. Praise the Lord!
The second problem was that posed between 1934 and 1935 by the
emergence of the African Church, with its accommodation of some
traditional practices like polygamy. However the C.M.S. church’s insistence
in upholding the primacy of the scripture led to the exit of many, leading to
the establishment of the Roman Catholic Mission in Avutu. However, the
African Church collapsed in 1936 and some who had gone on that
excursion there came back.
With the influx of new members, it became obvious that their place of
worship could not only accommodate them any longer, but also did not meet
the taste of the time as it was a mud building with thatched roof.
Preparations for erecting a concrete Church building started in 1959 while
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the foundation stone was laid on 12th September 1964 by the pioneer
Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Rt. Rev. George Cockin. The building was
dedicated on 12th January 1972 by his successor in office, Rt. Rev.
Benjamin Nwankiti (as he was then known).
The desire for a more befitting church building was latter felt and action
immediately commenced towards its actualization. The foundation stone of
this great edifice was laid on 7th March 2004 by Rt. Rev. C.A. Maduoma. It
is on record that St. Paul’s Church Avutu has the best vicarage in this part
of the world, built by women of this church under the inspirational
leadership of Her Excellency, Mrs. Victoria Mbakwe. It was dedicated by us
on the 10th day of December 2005.
It is amazing how the seed planted here in 1919 has over the years grown
to a giant tree! It had its first resident pastor in 1972 in the person of Rev.
Erasmus Nwagwu (as he was then known), attained Parish status in 1981
under the name Achin’Avu Parish with St. Marks Church Umunachi as the
second station. This name was letter changed to Eastern Obowo Parish. It
became the headquarters of Obowo East Archdeaconry on 13 th June 2004.
It is on record that another Anglican church has also been established in
this community, St Silas Church Umuifem.
The church’s contributions in the field of education are worth mentioning. It
established a primary school in 1944 which was taken over by the
government in 1972 and presently has the name, Community Primary
School Avutu.
Also in 2005, it established another one, St. Paul’s Nursery and Primary
Academy Avutu. Her huge investments in education have yielded abundant
fruit as the church is blessed with distinguished personalities in various
fields of human endeavour including education, law, medicine, commerce,
politics, engineering etc. it has also produced a number of clergymen.
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The following people made significant contributions at the various stages of
the church’s development. They include but not limited to: James Osisogu
Ebere, Emmanuel Nwokeke Onukogu, Shedrack Madubuihe Anyanwu,
Augutine Onuoha Chukwu, Israel Nwokenna Okoronkwo, Caleb Ogundu,
Mark Nwekwu Okeke, Paul Chukwu, Abraham Onuegbu Anusiem, Matthias
Ibekwe Ekechukwu, Josiah Nwokafor Ekechukwu, Nathaniel Nwokafor,
John Onyemobi, Michael Nwokie Akwuruoha, John Korieocha Chukwu,
Dennis Elesiro, Herbert Elesiro, Fredrick Nwudo, Christopher Okoronkwo,
Ephraim Egwim, Chief Theophilus Nwosu, Chief Jonathan Nduneche,
Moses Korie, Clement Nwokorie Nwaiwu, Andrew Iroh, Jeremiah Okwandu,
Simeon Okonkwo, Macaulay Ogu, Zedkiah Okeke, Lawrence Azubuike,
Abel Nwokorie, Benson Nwosu, Benedict Amuzie, Raphael Chukwuocha,
Joel Anusiem, Oliver Anusiem, His Excellency Chief Sam Mbakwe, Everest
Onyegbule Azubuike, Victor Anyanwu, Sir Theophilus Ebere, Aaron
Eneregbu,
Rev.
Canon
J.N.
Anyanwu,
Jonas
Irokanjo,
Shedrack
Agbugbaeruleke, Josiah Okeke, Sir Vincent Nwokorie, Sir Christopher Uzor
Ngelenge, Sir Chief Matthew Ogundu, Sir Chidi Ebere, Sir Vincent
Nwokorie, Chief Meshack Ogundu and our sons and daughter in the United
States of America.
Welcome! to Avutu, the home of the first lawyer in Okigwe zone, first Civilian
Governor of the Old Imo State and first Chancellor of our beloved Diocese,
Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe (Ph.D), the man who made things happen!
Welcome to Avutu the home of one of our highly revered traditional rulers in
the present Imo State, Eze Abel Chukwuocha. Welcome to the home of the
first Chairman of Diocesan Synod Planning Committee, Sir Nath Mbonu.
3.
Issues of Public Concern
3.1
Imo State
We are glad to observe that the rescue mission of the present
administration is on course. Our governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his
team have left no one in doubt that they are out to serve and take Imo State
to an enviable height. The massive reconstruction of long abandoned and
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dilapidated infrastructure in the state capital is a clear testimony of His
Excellency’s commitment and determination to leave behind an enduring
legacy at the end of his tenure.
Furthermore, we note with satisfaction the massive construction of roads
going on in every local government area of Imo State. Never has every local
government area benefited simultaneously from any programme of the
government in a very long while. Well done Sir! Our plea here is that efforts
should be made to ensure that quality is not compromised.
ii. Return of Schools
We did report last year that two secondary schools originally belonging to us
namely Anglican Boys Grammar School Onicha Uboma and Anglican Girls’
Secondary School Ezeoke Nsu, were returned to us. The state government,
in an effort to help the Church in the rebuilding of infrastructure in these
schools has released the initial sum of N5m to each of these schools being
50% of the total amount promised in this direction.
While expressing our sincere gratitude for this gesture, we call on His
Excellency to not only expedite action in the release of the outstanding
balance, but also to make this largesse an annual grant for a period of at
least five years to assists the Church in arresting the monumental decay of
infrastructure in these schools. We further request His Excellency to visit
some of these returned schools especially those in this Diocese to
appreciate what we are saying.
iii.
The Free Education Programme of the State Government
The idea of free education from primary to university level is a noble one. It
is a window into the passion and zeal in the heart of our dear governor for
the total transformation of the state. While congratulating him on this giant
stride, we suggest that this should not be discriminatory in its application.
Rather than limiting the beneficiaries to only those who are in public schools
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i.e. those institutions run by Imo State Government, it should be extended to
all Imolites whether in public or private schools. It will be unfair to use our
commonwealth for the good of just a section of the society. Again,
government should consider bursary instead of free education so that every
child in Imo State will benefit from this given the fact that we may not have
enough resources to accommodate everyone in the scholarship scheme.
This suggestion is however without prejudice to any programme that will
isolate children of poor parentage for full and comprehensive scholarship.
iv.
Unemployment and the Problem of Insecurity
We are worried that kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent activities
have persisted in our state despite efforts by the present administration to
curb this menace. May we suggest that in addition to the various options
and strategies of government in reducing the crime rate in our society,
efforts should be made to explore the option of fighting insecurity through
job creation. As a matter of fact, a state of emergency should be declared
on unemployment in this state to ensure the rehabilitation of collapsed
establishments like Avutu Modern Poultry Farm, the Nsu Modern Ceramics,
the Abadaba Lake Resort, etc and the building of new ones. Massive
creation of employment opportunities should be made a necessary
compliment of the free education scheme by government so that this noble
scheme will not further worsen the already bad security situation in our
society.
Furthermore, government should as a matter of great need pay attention to
technical and vocational education. A situation where we depend on
Ghanaians, Togolese or Yorubas for tilling, plumbing, wiring or proper
masonry or carpentry work is not the best.
v.
Dear people of God, a time came last year at the heat of the Boko Haram
menace that a declaration was purportedly made directing all strangers in
the Northern part of the country to relocate from the region. This kept me
thinking for some days on what could have been the condition of Ndi Igbo
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had that threat come to pass. It worries me so much that in spite of
abundant blessings of arable land and good weather, Ndi Igbo cannot boast
of feeding themselves. A situation where we depend on others for almost
every food item- yam, cassava, potatoes, carrot, cabbage, onions, beans,
tomatoes, garden- eggs etc is very dangerous. This saying is very true:
Pity a people that wear textile materials not fabricated by them
Pity a people that drive automobiles they never manufactured
Pity a people that eat food that is not produced by them.
Only a few weeks hence, the air wave will be suffused will announcements
on the traditional ‘iri ji’ ceremony by various communities. Is it not a shame
that it is yam produced from the Middle Belt that we celebrate here in Igbo
land. My good people of the South East, must we remain like this?
vi.
We are very much disturbed by the apparent lack of political and moral will
to fight corruption in this country. Nigerians are tired of that same old
method of announcing to the whole world “that a scam of horrendous
magnitude has been uncovered; the suspects have been charged to court,
the suspects have been granted bail and here ends the news”. That we
have got to a stage in this rich country of poor people where a civil servant
keeps a whopping sum of N2b in his house when the rightful owners of this
money are subjected to endless verification exercises that eventually claim
their lives calls for a serious concern.
May we challenge the present administration at various levels in our land to
convince Nigerians that they really mean to reduce the incidence of
corruption in this nation. May we also warn of the danger that is imminent
should things continue this way. A word should be enough for the wise.
4.
News from our Church
Since our last synod, the Church of Nigeria has held two statutory meetingsa General Synod at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral Ikeja in
the Diocese of Lagos West, from 19th – 23rd September 2011 and a
Standing Committee at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith in the Diocese of
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Awka, from 14th – 17th February 2012. Communiqués and Pastoral Letters
from both meetings are attached.
4.2.
Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCON)
The first DIVCON was held at the International Christian Center, Abuja from
7th – 11th November 2011. Over 5,000 participants from across the nation
and beyond attended this great gathering. As has been made clear, this
gathering is an annual event aimed at deepening the spirituality of not only
Anglicans but also of all who are in search of the truth that sets free. The
next edition is slated to hold from 6th -10th November 2012 at the
International Conference Centre, Abuja. Those who participated in the
maiden edition will bear witness to the fact that it is worth looking up to. I
encourage as many as will want to be better equipped for the great
commission to attend.
May we hereby place on record our deep appreciation and gratitude to sons
and daughters of Okigwe South residing in Abuja for accommodating most
of our delegates within the period of the conference. May God bless you all,
Amen.
4.3.
A Cable TV Network for the Church of Nigeria
In an effort to meet modern challenges in mission, the Church of Nigeria
(Anglican Communion) is seriously working towards the establishment of a
cable television network. Work on this has reached an advance stage. It is
hoped that by the grace of God, this will come on air before the end of this
year. We need your prayers and financial support.
4.4
Church Of Nigeria Relief Fund
Our national church has established a Relief Fund to enable her extend a
helping hand to our brethren in need especially in the wake unprecedented
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assault and militancy by other faiths. We all are encouraged to contribute to
this fund and by so doing fulfill the injunction to love one another.
4.5 PAUL UNIVERSITY AWKA
May we once more remind us all that Paul University Awka is our baby. It is
owned by all the Anglican Dioceses East of the Niger, about 55 in all. We all
must work very hard to nurture this institution for the good of our children
and growth of our church. There is no doubt that the universities will be a
very critical factor in evangelism in the next decade. The Anglican Church
played a pioneering role in both primary and secondary, as well as higher
elementary education in Nigeria. It will be a disaster to be swept away in this
era of tertiary education. Our children should be encouraged to have this
university as their first in the choice of universities to attend. Again the
N1000.00 annual support from every adult member of our church to this
institution should be taken seriously. The council of knights and all church
workers should ensure that this succeeds in our diocese.
4.6.
Retirements and Consecrations
Within the period under review, the following fathers in God retired from
active
episcopacy
functions
while
successors
were
also
elected,
consecrated and enthroned. They include:
Retirements:
1. Most. Rev. U.U. Ezuoke
-
Bishop of Aba Diocese and
2. Rt. Rev. B.C.B. Onyeibor
-
Bishop of Abakaliki
3. Rt. Rev. William Diya
-
Bishop of Kafanchan
4. Rt Rev Jonathan Edewor
-
Bishop of Oleh
Archbishop of Aba Province
May God be pleased to grant these His servants peace, favour and grace on their
retirement. Amen.
The following were also consecrated within the period under review:
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1. Rt. Rev. Julian M. Dobbs
-
Suffragan Bishop
2. Rt. Rev. Felix C.C. Orji
-
Suffragan Bishop
3. Rt. Rev. Christian Ugwuzor
-
Bishop of Aba
4. Rt. Rev. Monday C. Nkwoagu
-
Bishop of Abakaliki
5. Rt. Rev. Markus M. Dogo
-
Bishop of Kafanchan
6. Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Kwashi
-
Bishop of Zonkwa
7. Rt. Rev John U. Aruakpor
-
Bishop of Oleh
Also the Rt. Rev. Ikechi Nwosu Bishop of Umuahia was elected and
presented Archbishop of Aba Province. We wish them God’s grace and
favour in their new assignments.
4.7.
Archbishop Rowan Williams Retires
It is with gratitude and much relief that we receive the notice of the
retirement of the Archbishop of Canterbury, His Grace Most Rev and Rt.
Honourable Rowan Williams. This is a welcome development and great
relief to the church of God. We pray that the Almighty God will guide and
direct the process that will lead to the emergence of his successor, so that
the church of God will come back to the path of righteousness.
4.8.
GAFCON/FCA Leadership Conference
The Leadership Conference of the Global Anglican Conference (GAFCON)
and Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (F.C.A) was held at St Marks
Church Battersea Rise London from 23rd-27th April, 2012. It was attended by
leaders from thirty countries of the world. It met on the theme: Jesus the
Christ, Unique and Supreme. It was in preparation for the second GAFCON
which comes up in May 2013. The Statement from the Conference is
attached. We rejoice at the quiet but steady revolution towards the
restoration of biblical faith in England. That FCA churches are growing
rapidly is a great encouragement and relief.
5.
DIOCESAN MATTERS:
5.1.
Our Saviours Hospital and Maternity
The interior of the hospital has been painted. Plans are on the way for a
gradual take off of services any moment from now. A 25KVA generator has
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been installed to provide electricity. We are eternally grateful to Mrs. Ifeoma
Ekwueme for donating all the foams needed in the hospital. This is in
addition to her efforts in trying to link us with personalities and organizations
that will assist us with equipments and personnel. May God reward her
richly.
5.2.
Planned Giving/Tithe Performance in 2011
We shall continue to thank the Almighty God for the gradual but steady
improvement in the area of payment of tithes and planned giving at the
various stations in the Diocese. We shall not be tired of expressing our
immense gratitude to our sons and daughters living in cities outside the
Diocese for accepting our plea to bring their tithes home. The table below
compares our performances in three years. We pray that God’s blessings
will not be in short supply to those whose hearts are set at obeying and
honouring Him.
S/NO
NAME OF PARISH
NO. OF PERSONS
2011
2010
2009
1
Cathedral
25
19
18
2
Etiti
9
12
9
3
Obowo
8
6
7
4
Umuezeowerre
7
6
5
5
Ikperejere
3
3
5
6
Eastern Obowo
7
5
9
7
East Central Obowo
7
3
8
8
Uboma
6
8
5
9
Amainyi
2
4
4
10
Ehime Central
7
5
2
11
Onicha Uboma
11
12
12
12
Umuezeala Nsu
9
4
5
13
Umunumo
6
4
4
14
Western Obowo
7
4
4
15
Nzerem
3
Nil
3
16
Lowa
10
5
6
17
Umunakanu
3
6
2
18
Umunachi
4
10
7
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19
Ibeowerre
5
2
5
20
Uboma Central
3
3
3
21
Abueke
1
3
3
22
Umungwa
4
10
1
23
Umuduruegwele
5
7
9
24
Trinity
4
3
Nil
25
Umueleke
6
3
4
26
Okoron’ogele
2
1
Nil
27
Achara
5
1
3
28
Opera na Ezeala
4
2
1
29
Umualumaku
1
2
1
30
Obowo central
2
2
3
31
Umuoma
6
2
2
32
Ikenanzizi
4
4
-
33
Abueke Central
2
-
-
188
154
150
parish
Total
The list of those whose tithes exceeded N50,000.00 in 2011 is in the appendix.
5.3.
Payment of Diocesan Quota
The following parishes were able to fully pay their diocesan quota in 2011:
Etiti, Obowo, UmuezeOwere, East Central Obowo, Onicha Uboma,
Umuezeala Nsu, Umunumo, Lowa, Umunakanu, Abueke, Umuoma,
Oparanezeala and Ikenanzizi.
The following have also completed payment for the current year. They are:
Ikenanzizi, Umungwa and Abueke Central. We commend them. We need to
reiterate that the payment of Diocesan quota is the first charge of all monies
accruing to the local congregation. No indiscriminate levy is given to any
parish after completing its own quota. Please we are enjoined to make our
people understand this.
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5.4.
The Diocesan Endowment Fund
This programme is still on course. It is one of the programmes initiated for
the stabilization of the Diocese. Please go through the leaflet spelling out
the details and endeavour to key in to it. May God bless you abundantly as
you do this.
5.5.
Encouragement and Motivation of Workers
We are still requesting for assistance for our workers to spend their annual
leave in cities as a way of having the necessary exposure that will enhance
their productivity.
5.6.
Diocesan Council of Knights
This body remains an icon in the work of God in this Diocese. We salute the
outstanding qualities and commitment of its present leadership. Perhaps the
most valued and cherished activity of this Council in addition to the bishop’s
house project is the mission outreach to young congregations in the
Diocese. It is very encouraging seeing the Knights and Ladies as a matter of
deliberate policy move the venue of their quarterly meetings from the
established churches to those weak and struggling ones in the remote
villages. They worship with, support and encourage these young
congregations before commencing their meetings.
This outreach programme has taken them to three churches since inception
last year. The first was Church of the Transfiguration Uzinobike where they
contributed the sum of N520,000.00 and forty pieces of choir robe for the
church. The second was Anglican Church Okwuohia which got a total of
N835,000.00 in support of the church building project being sponsored by
the family of Late Sir Enoch Anyanwu. It was the turn of St. Christopher’s
Church Ikpem on March 25, 2012 where the sum of N765,000.00 and
twenty pieces of choir robe was raised in support of the work of God there. It
is very exciting seeing Knights and Ladies come all the way from Abuja,
Lagos, Port Harcourt, Aba, Owerri etc specifically for this programme. May
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God be pleased to bless our Knights and Ladies for recapturing the main
purpose of their investiture- mission and evangelism.
The reform and reorganization of the Diocesan Council which started in
June 2010 came to a partial end in the 7th day of April 2012. A total number
of eighty-eighty Knights who had revalidated their names and recommitted
themselves were rededicated for service as knights. Those sixteen indoor
members, who on account of sickness could not participate in this exercise,
are also recognized as full members of the diocesan council. This means
that the total membership of Okigwe South Diocesan Council of Knights is
now one hundred and four. Their names are in the appendix to this
document. These are now the bonafide knights of this Diocese. Those who
missed it on the 7th of April will have another opportunity on the second day
of January 2013. Note that without the rededication, the process of
revalidated and recommitment cannot be said to be complete. After January
2, 2013, those who were unable to meet up will be seen to have voluntarily
relinquished their membership of this organization and will by that very fact
be formally delisted. It must be restated that this Diocese does not have
need for any ‘knight’ who feels he is too busy, too big or too important to
attend programmes of the Council and those of the Diocese.
Another set of knights will be made on Saturday 29th December 2012 at the
Cathedral Church of St. Paul Ezeoke Nsu. Please go through the list in the
appendix section of this charge. Feel free to raise objections against any of
the novices before the end of October 2012.
5.7.
Women and Girls’ Organizations
We will continue to praise God for the activities of our mothers under the
leadership of their president, Mrs Blessing Onuoha. Their numerous
assistance to needy churches especially, in the provision of places of
worship has eternal value. So also is their various revival programmes for
the youth. May you all remain useful instruments in the hands of our God for
the furtherance of this priceless gospel.
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5.8.
Christian Fathers’ Fellowship
The Christian Fathers’ Fellowship is coming up gradually. That the group at
Emmanuel Church Ehume could raise money and successfully sink a
borehole for the church is one of the miracles of the year. We congratulate
them, and urge others to see this as a challenge and a wake-up call.
We are aware of the efforts to bring young fathers on board. Those married
ones who think that they are not yet fathers but daddies, and as such do not
belong to this body should do well to change this erroneous concept.
Church workers should step up teachings that will effectively put this ugly
notion in check.
5.9.
St. Barnabas Charitable Foundation
We are glad to report to synod that the St Barnabas Charity Foundation is
still in place. We all had thought that by the death of the founder and
benefactor, Sir Enoch Anyanwu, the foundation would wind up. We are
happy that the family has pledged to continue from where their patriarch
stopped. The yearly grant of N6m for this year has been released. Please
join me to thank Lady Prof Ngozi Anyanwu and her son Mr Chukwuma
Anyanwu for this rare display of Christian charity.
Under the leadership of Sir Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, this body has faithfully
managed the funds already released for the benefit of our needy brethren.
So far a total of N15,035,010.00 has been spent on the provision of houses,
N3,566,740.00 on scholarships and education grants, N2,728,200.00 on
hospital bills and health care and N2,224,300.00 on various forms of
financial assistance. We all must begin now to think of how to continue with
this good work should there be a time our benefactors will no longer be able
to continue.
5.10. Board of Missions and Evangelism
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We thank God for the progress this body is making in mission and
evangelism in this Diocese. The Night with Jesus programme which comes
up on the first Friday of every month now enjoys a wide acceptance
especially among the youth. One of our illustrious sons in the Diocese has
donated a 17KVA sound-proof generator for this programme. May God
continue to bless him. We need a state of the art public address system and
gospel band set to further boost this programme. Kindly identify with this
movement.
5.11. Youth Board
The Youth Board has been re-organized for effective performance. With
young and vibrant leaders in place, we trust that this organization will take
its pride of place and play the roll expected of it in mission and evangelism
in this Diocese and beyond. We should do well to note that this body is for
those below the age of 40 years. This national policy must be fully
respected in this Diocese.
5.12. Trinity Ordination
The following candidates shall be ordained priests on Sunday 24th June
2012 at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul Ezeoke Nsu.
1. Rev. Emmanuel Nwaichi
2. Rev. Charles Oleka
3. Rev. Kelechi C. Ejingini and
4. Rev. Anthony C. Ajunwa
Also in the same service, the Lord Chancellor of our Diocese, Hon. Justice
C.A. Ononeze-Madu shall be formally installed the 3rd Chancellor of the
Diocese of Okigwe South.
5.13. Diocesan Harvest Thanksgiving
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The first diocesan harvest thanksgiving was held on the 27th of December
last year. We are deeply grateful to God Almighty for the success recorded
in that event. May we hereby place on record the hard work of the planning
committee especially the chairman Sir Dan Nwagwu. The zeal, commitment
and devotion with which he approached this assignment are unprecedented.
We sincerely thank him and members of his committee and all the church
workers in this Diocese for a job well done. We pray for a better
performance as we gather again at St. Peter’s Church Umuariam come 27th
December 2012.
5.14 Masquerades in Christian burials
Dear people of God, we are very grateful to you for the love you have
continued to show to us by being obedient and supportive of almost all our
teachings, instructions and directives. We recall with joy that the success of
the crusade against the traditional wine carrying ceremony after church
wedding, the practice of returning burial offerings to the church, the
menacing activities of okada riders and undertakers during funeral
processions etc. The success of all these is also being shared beyond our
diocese.
Another ugly incident is presently rearing up its ugly head. This time around,
masquerades and war dances take over the entire environment soon after
the interment of the remains fallen soldiers of the cross. This should not be
so. The philosophies and spirituality behind these masquerades and dances
are inconsistent and at variance
with Christian beliefs and practices. We
are aware that it is not the bereaved families that are directly responsible for
this development, but their in-laws, friends and associates. May we now
direct that on no account should this be tolerated in this diocese any more.
The awareness should now be created that such has been outlawed in this
diocese. Christians have a time-honoured and rich heritage of mourning
their dead, and this is still valued and cherished. Christian eschatology is
quite different from that of African Traditional Religion and each has well
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developed body of rites. We shall do well resist every attempt to mix up the
two in view of its obvious implications and consequences.
5.15. Gifts to the Diocese
To God be the glory for the great things He has done and will continue to do
in this Diocese. We report with gratitude to Him that in spite of the harsh
economic realities of our time, He has not only continued to bless His
people, but also has given them the heart to use those blessings to honour
Him in His Church.
1. Engr. Eme Iroha is building an ultra modern parsonage at the Church of
Redemption Amainyi with a borehole, internet facilities, sound proof
generator etc in place. This four bedroom bungalow is set to be the most
attractive and only properly landscaped and paved compound in the whole
Diocese.
We also recall with gratitude that during the preparations for our synod last
year, Engr. Iroha collected special letters from the Bishop and hosted a
dinner for some of his friends to raise fund for the Diocese. A little short of
N2m came to the Diocese through this gesture.
2. Mr. Chidiebere Okoroafor of St. John’s Church Umunumo and his siblings
are building the Chaplain’s house at the Bishop’s house complex, in
memory of their father, Sir Kenneth Okoroafor. The dedication of this
building will be part of the activities marking the first year memorial
anniversary of this soldier of Christ. We are also grateful for the donation of
a 17KVA sound-proof generator for evangelism in the Diocese.
3. Sir Frank Ibezim of St. Paul’s Cathedral Ezeoke Nsu and his siblings are
building the Bishop’s Chapel in memory of their father Sir Hezekiah Ibezim.
The building is at an advanced stage of completion.
4. Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba mobilized his friends and replaced the accidented
vehicle of the Archdeacon of Nsu Archdeaconry with an Audi 80 car. The
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following month, he single handedly provided another Audi 80 car to another
priest at St. St. Matthew’s Church Umuezeala Nsu. We recall that he rebuilt
and donated the bible house, i.e. the place where Archdeacon Dennis and
his team translated the Igbo Bible at Egbu. This monument was dedicated
on the 2th December 2012 as part of the activities that marked his father’s
80th birthday anniversary.
5. Hon. Barr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba is putting up an upstair of four flats (3
bedrooms each) for workers in St. Matthew’s Church Umuezeala. This
building is in honour of his father Sir Jonah C. Nwajiuba at 80.
6. The women of St. Mark’s Church Umunachi sunk a borehole in the church.
7. The women of St. Paul’s Church Avutu also did the same
8. Sir A.O. Nwokorie donated a borehole to Christ Church Achara
9. The Christian Fathers’ Fellowship of Emmanuel Church Ehume donated a
borehole to the Church.
10. Mr. Lucky Okezie in addition to completing and furnishing the vicarage of
St. Stephen’s Church, Umungwa which was dedicated on the 26 th of
December 2011 has in fulfillment of his pledge that day sunk a borehole for
the Church.
11. The ceiling of this Church in which we are holding this synod is a donation
from Sir & Lady Ben Okoronkwo. Sir & Lady Johnson Nwosu sponsored the
electrification of the entire Church, installed a total of forty ceiling fans and
donated a 6.5KVA gen set. Dr & Mrs. N.G. Ekeh donated that modern toilet
facility that meets the WHO standard.
12. Mr. Emeka Nwigwe, single handedly sponsored the installation of window
shorters in the new magnificent Emmanuel Church building Ehume. He has
also committed himself to bankrolling the total cost of ceiling, painting and
electrification of the church. You need to see this church building to
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appreciate how much this young man is planning to invest in the kingdom
business.
13. Sir Chucks Okoronkwo is gradually pioneering a new method of supporting
the church which we have been praying for. He has asked St Barnabas
Church Abueke to be collecting the rent from his father’s plot at Umuahia for
the church’s up keep. This is for a yet to be disclosed period of time.
Perhaps the time for endowing the church through bequeaths from our
members is around the corner.
14. Sir Cyprian Agim supplied all the ultra-modern window for the bishop’s
house.
15. Sir David Nwosu also supplied four foreign steel doors for the same house
`
A number of other donations are captured in the various Archdeaconry reports.
May God be pleased to do good to those who are good and may His name be
forever praised and glorified. Amen and Amen.
5.16. Felicitations
We are very grateful to the Almighty God for remembering some of our
brethren in a special way with His favour last year. They include:
1. Kenneth C. Osuji of HTC Onicha Uboma on his elevation to the rank of
Major General in the Nigerian Army
2. Eze Sam Urechukwu
-
Wedding of one of his sons
3. Sir Jonah Nwajiuba
-
80th Birthday Anniversary
4. Ezinne …Nwosu
5. Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba
Birthday Anniversary
-
successful inauguration as a
professor of Agricultural Economics
6. Rev. Canon Charles Okereke -
wedded
7. The following were favoured with the gifts of children:
a. Rev. & Mrs. Obinna Ezeigbo
b. Rev. & Mrs. Eugene Opara
c. Rev. Canon & Mrs. I.J.U. Agwonesi
d. Ven. & Mrs. Hezekiah Akaniro
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e. Rev. & Mrs. Alex Egbulefu
f. Rev. & Mrs. Nathaniel Ogubuike
g. Rev. & Mrs. Joel Nwakanma
h. Rev. & Mrs. Alex Obiahuba
i.
Rev. & Mrs. Ernest Osuchukwu
8. We sincerely rejoice with the management and staff of Bestway
Transport Limited on the nomination for the International Quality Summit
Award, which will be conferred at the 26th International Quality
Convention holding in New York next week. This award is specifically
“reserved for companies or organizations in different countries
throughout the world that further their reputation and position by
implementing and promoting quality culture”. It is refreshing to know that
the ideals of Sir Silas still live on. CONGRATULATION!
5.17.
Our Sorrows
It is with grief in our heart and quiet resignation to the will of the Almighty
God that we report the recall to eternal glory of some of brethren since
the last synod. They include:
1. Hon. Sir Justice M.O. Eziri (our immediate past chancellor)
Cathedral Parish
2. Lady Comfort Emeruem
-
Cathedral Parish
3. Mrs. Mercy Nma Nduka
-
Cathedral Parish
4. Catechist Christopher Nwadigo
-
Cathedral Parish
5. Mrs. Calista Nwadigo
-
Cathedral Parish
6. Mrs. Uloma Nwogu
-
Cathedral Parish
7. Sir Kenneth Okoroafor
-
Umunumo Parish
8. Nze Augustine Agim
-
Umunumo Paish
9. Sir Benjamin Nwaneri
-
Umuezeowerre Parish
10. Sir Engr. Anayo Chukwu
-
Umueleke Parish
11. Ezinne Emily Ejiogu
-
Umueleke Parish
12. Sir Jonathan Nduneche
-
Eastern Obowo Parish
13. Lady Jeminiah Ibe
-
Eastern Obowo Parish
14. Catechist George Okafor
-
Eastern Obowo Parish
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15. Sir Victor O. Onumaeme
-
Obowo Parish
16. Sir Chief Gabriel Chijioke Okoronkwo - Abueke Parish
17. Ezinne Comfort Uhie
-
Etiti Parish
May they rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen
THE THEME OF THE SYNOD
1. MUST I go—and empty-handed?
2. Not at death I shrink or falter;
Thus my dear Redeemer meet?
For my Saviour saves me now;
Not one day of service give Him
But to meet Him empty—handed;
Lay no trophy at His feet?
Thought of that now clouds my bow.
‘Must I go—and empty-handed?
Must I meet my Saviour so?
Not one soul with which to greet Him?
Must I empty—handed go?
3. Oh, the years of sinning wasted,
Could I but recall them now;
I would give them to my Saviour;
To His will I’d gladly bow.
6.1.
4. Up, ye saints arouse, be earnest;
Up and work while ye ‘tis day;
Ere the night of death o’ertake you;
Strive for souls while yet you may.
Recapitulation
Dear people of God in the last two sessions of the 6th Synod, our thoughts
centered on topics bordering on social engineering as shown on the
themes: Amend Yours Ways and Your Doings (Jer.7:3), and Harden Not
Your Heart (Ps.95:8) respectively. The prevailing socio-political situation in
our country then necessitated these. At Emmanuel Church Umueze II last
year, we were warned of the dare consequences of turning deaf ears to
injunctions, directives and or warnings from God.
In the 7th Synod, mission will engage our attention in all the three sessions.
This is very necessary so as to refocus our attention to the primary reason
for the establishment of the church and what should engage the attention of
very Christian until the return of the Lord. We shall take off in this session
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with the theme, The Great Commission: My Divine Assignment. Matthew
28:18-20 which anchors this theme reads:
And Jesus came and spoke to them saying,
“All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things
that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always,
even tot the close of the age”. Amen
The significance of this assignment is further underscored by the fact that all
the gospel writers as well as the book of Acts of the Apostles captured this
in various forms viz:
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature. He who
believes and is baptized will be saved;
but he who does not believe will be condemned.
(Mark 16:15-16)
And he said to them, ‘Thus it is written,
and thus it is necessary for the Christ to suffer
and to rise from the dead the third day, “and that
repentance and remission of sins should Be preached
in His name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem.
And you are witnesses of these things. (Luke 24:46-48)
But you shall receive Power when the Holy Spirit
has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses
to in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the
earth (Acts1:8).
Then Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you!
As the Father has sent me, I also send you’ (John 20:21).
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Only few themes in the Bible enjoy such an unequivocal concurrence from
the gospel writers.
6.2
The Text in Context
The earthly mission of the Lord of life and Son of God was one that was not
fully comprehended by his disciples for the three and a half years he
traversed the towns of Jerusalem with them. Some of the questions they
asked, their reactions to certain teachings and their attitudes betrayed a
crass ignorance of the purpose of the incarnation. Some had seen his
mission as that of political emancipation of the Jewish nation from the
dominion of Rome, while others followed him for various reasons. The first
four disciples were summoned with this words “follow Me, and I will make
you fishers of men” (Matt.4:19). But they saw it as a call to initiate a
revolution that would oust the Roman government, no thanks to the
teachings about the kingdom which he would establish. He had taught in the
Lord’s Prayer to always request from God the coming of the kingdom i.e
“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…..”
Two disciples of Jesus, James and John betrayed their lack of
understanding of their master’s mission when they made that infamous
request of having the honour to occupy the two most prominent positions in
the kingdom being talked about (Mk.10:37). No doubt this request was
borne out of clear misconception that the Lord’s kingdom would respect the
hierarchical structure of earthly governments. There was even a time when
the disciples started arguing about who would be the greatest in the new
dispensation. (Matt.18:1)
After a radical discourse on the ethical demands of the new kingdom arising
from the question by the rich young ruler on what to do to gain eternal life,
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the disciples again betrayed their lack of understanding of the new concept
when they asked “…who then can be saved? (Matt.19:25). Peter followed
this trend of ignorance when he inquired to know from Jesus what gains the
new era promised to them after abandoning every other thing (Matt.19:27).
The betrayal of Jesus by Judas was no doubt a reaction to frustrations
arising from the inability to comprehend this new agenda. He acted very fast
in order not to lose out completely. Perhaps the climax of their ignorance
and/or misconception of the messianic agenda was the total abandonment
of the mission project following the death of the Lord Jesus. John the
evangelist has shown how the disciples, believing that the movement had
hit the rock decided to go back to their profession. Peter’s words in John
21:3 and the response by his colleagues are instructive, “Simon Peter said
to them,”I am going fishing. They said to him we will go with you”. There can
be no better proof that the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ was not clearly
understood by those he called together to carry on from where he would
stop.
It is note worthy that the ignorance of the disciples did not make our Lord
Jesus Christ lose focus of the reason for his incarnation. Before his birth,
the Angel had declared what His mission on earth would be, “And she will
bring forth a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His
people from their sins" (Mtt.1:21). He kept faith with this. He remained
focused to it. Not even the temptation by the devil could distract or derail
him. The event of the cross was not a tragic end to His mission, but a
faithful accomplishment of the same-a fact the disciples failed to realize.
Having won the salvation, it was now necessary for this good news to be
made known for people to appropriate it. It was now time for the disciples to
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commence their job and fulfill their mandate as fishers of men. This is
important because the great work of salvation, begun and completed by the
Lord Jesus Christ, would remain hidden and unappreciated if not publicized.
The arrival of a new product in the market will be of no consequence unless
advertized. So also this great gift of salvation would not achieve its target of
reconciling men to God and redeeming them from eternal condemnation if
not made known to them. The apostle Paul underscored this fact when he
rhetorically asked:
How then shall they call on Him in whom
they have not believed? And how shall
they believe in Him whom they have not
heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach unless they are sent… Rm.10:14,15
We can now see why the Lord Jesus took it upon Himself after His
resurrection to go looking for his disciples and finding them, he gave them
the assignment that would occupy them for life. You need to read Jesus’
discussion with Peter in John 21:15-17 to see how passionate the Lord is
with the salvation of mankind.
After they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter,
“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,”
he answered, “You know that I love You”
Jesus said to him, “feed my lambs.”
A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John,
Do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know that
I love you”. Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
A third time Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was sad because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you
Love me?” so he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you
Know that I love you!” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep”.
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Glory be to God that the disciples came back on track. Acts of the Apostles
records how this good news was spread from Jerusalem to Judea and
Samaria and to the outside world. It also traces the numerical growth of this
movement after the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ from one
hundred and twenty (1:15) to three thousand (2:14) to five thousand (4:4)
and then to multitude (4:32). The Lord was with them as he promised and
exercised absolute authority for the growth and progress of the new
enterprise. Great success always follows complete obedience to God’s
command.
6.3
Understanding the Great Commission
A lot has been said and written by not a few New Testament scholars on his
subject. We do not intend to do a review of their opinions here as we do not
want the import of this presentation to be lost in the maze of academic
niceties. Our commitment however is to present a plain scriptural
interpretation that will help ordinary person in the pew to fully grasp the
implication of this all time divine assignment and fully commit oneself to a
life of total obedience to it. The word ‘Commission’ is a special assignment
that is given to a person or a group’. It means the act of granting authority to
undertake certain functions. I totally agree with the view that sees the Great
Commission as implying an imperative and a mandate. By imperative is
meant a duty that is essential and urgent, while a command is an
authoritative direction or instruction to do something.
The implication of this is that the Great Commission is an assignment that is
urgent and compelling. It is one that does not leave any room for argument
or choice; one that should engage every Christian irrespective of
educational/economic background, social status, age, sex or nationality. It is
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also one that should concern Christians in every generation. This mandate
therefore, given to the apostles was intended also for all who would follow
them in every succeeding generation i.e. to the end of the age. What this
shows is that mission/evangelism is the supreme business of the Church in
every age. As it occupied the attention and activities of the apostles and the
early Church, so also it is expected to be the hallmark of our own activities
and concerns in this age and time.
It remains to be said that mission belongs to God. Right from the Old
Testament, God has called people out for the purpose of revealing Himself
to the world. Abraham, Moses, and the nation Israel could be said to have
been sent on mission at their various times for the revealing of the
uniqueness of the Almighty God, and for the redemption of man. The
inability of the law, sacrifices and prophesies to fully reveal God and achieve
man’s redemption necessitated the incarnation of the Son of God. It was for
this purpose that he humbled himself to be born of a virgin, lived, died and
rose again. In doing so, he secured, once and for all eternal redemption for
every believer. What remained was that the good news that man has been
redeemed from eternal condemnation should be proclaimed to the ends of
the earth, hence the Great Commission.
If the Great Commission is an enterprise we have been called to engage in,
the gospel is the sole commodity in our stock. The gospel simply means
good news. One of our favorite hymns tells us what the gospel contains:
We have heard a joyful sound
Jesus saves! Jesus saves
Tell the message all around
Jesus saves!, Jesus saves
Bear the news to every land
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Climb the steeps and cross the waves
Onward!.. ‘tis our Lord’s command
Jesus saves! Jesus saves
Yes He saves from all manner of problems. The Nazareth manifesto makes
this clear:
The spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed
me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to
heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind. To set at liberty those who are
oppressed: to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke
4:18,19)
Another of our hymns sees it this way:
He makes the wounded spirit whole;
and calms the troubled breast;
‘ts manner to the hungry soul;
and to the weary rest.
Jesus saves from sicknesses, anxieties, diseases, satanic oppressions,
ancestral curses, witches and wizards. He also saves from hunger and
poverty. Because every power in heaven and on earth is His, whenever he
steps into our situation, all the forces holding us hostage must surrender
because heaven has already established that “at the name of Jesus every
knee must bow in heaven and on earth and every tongue confess that
Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the father”. Phil.2:10,11.
The fact that Jesus can satisfy all our earthy desires is just a small or minor
aspect of the good news. The more significant and important aspect is what
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the angel said about Him before His birth as already highlighted: “for He will
save His people from their sins”. The apostle John captured it this way:
And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life,
and this life is in His son. He who has the son has life;
and he who does not have the son of God does not have life.
(1Jn4:11,12)
What news can be better than the one which assures me of the all
sufficiency of Christ. In him my physical and spiritual desires and needs are
met. Is there any news more worthy than the one that tells me that: “There
is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
(Rm.8:1).
One outstanding thing about any news that is considered good is that it is
always shared and spread. No one hears any good news and keeps quiet.
In the bible, we are told of a band of lepers who discovered food at a time of
great famine occasioned by the siege and blocked of Samaria (2Kings
6:24,7:1-20). When they discovered that the Syrian army had fled their
camp leaving abundance of food, and after helping themselves enough,
they reasoned thus “we are not doing right. This is a day of good news, and
we remain silent.” (2Kings 7:9). Their going to the King with this good news
saved their people from starvation. If they did not hoard this ‘good news’
whose content was bread and butter, we too must not remain silent about
the eternal salvation which is ours in Christ Jesus.
6.3.
Mission in Perspective
We have established here that mission is God’s own project. We are invited
to share in it. The call of Abraham and the election of Israel with all their
laws, sacrifices etc were all God’s initiatives, so also is the incarnation of
Page 34 of 69
Christ. God sent him for our salvation which was won through the cross. He
in turn sent his disciples to go and proclaim the same in every age.
Since the day of Pentecost, the mission of God has traversed nations and
cultures. From Jerusalem the good news has been broadcast all over.
Though buffeted from every side, the light of the gospel has remained
aglow. From the activities of the early apostles, the missionary journeys,
Councils, Creeds and Controversies to mission conferences of the 20 and
21stth centuries, emphasis has been placed on various aspects of carrying
out the Great Commission.
It was the Lord Jesus who first taught his disciples how to do mission. All
the synoptic writers agree that he started his ministry in Galilee by
preaching. He later sent out the twelve on mission practice, and also the
seventy (Luke 10:1-2). Paul later went on missionary journeys with Silas
and then with Barnabas. The persecution that followed the death of Stephen
saw the disciples carry the gospel to other parts.
It was not only the apostles that engaged in mission. Some others also did.
St. John tells us that Andrew was one of the first to be called by Jesus, who
in turn found and brought his brother Simon Peter (1:31). Next was Philip
who found and introduced another person, Nathaniel (1:45). Matthew the
tax collector after meeting Jesus gave a party in the Lord’s honour in which
a number of his colleagues met Jesus.
6.4.
The Mission We Seek
Mission is the heart - beat of God. The Church exists only for it. Through
mission the transforming gospel of Jesus Christ is brought to both
individuals and societies. The Great Commission shows us how to do
evangelism. Baptism and teaching are identified as the main features. The
scope is all the nations. Luke tells us that it always starts from a point i.e
Jerusalem and from there to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)
Page 35 of 69
The Lambeth Conference of 1988, “while stressing the need for primary
evangelism among those who have never meaningfully encountered the
gospel, also recognizes the necessity of evangelizing the many baptized
who are barely nominal in their adherence to the Christian faith. Nor the
evangelist excluded from being evangelized by the very gospel which he or
she seeks to bring to others”. This view clearly sets the stage or tone for the
mission or evangelism which we seek in this Diocese.
Throughout the length and breadth of the Diocese of Okigwe South
comprising the three local government areas of Ehime Mbano, Ihitte/Uboma
and Obowo, there is hardly any professed heathen. They are in the minute
minority where they exist. Our greatest problem here is nominalism or lack
of total commitment to the Great Commission. Put in another way, we have
in our hands a situation where a great number of our members see
evangelism as the sole responsibility of the ordained. Little wonder
programmes for spiritual growth and nurture are not considered necessary.
This situation has led to the emergence of two dominant groups in our
church i.e the ‘Christian heathens’, who as in the case of that lay reader
who as leader of women’s group in a village mobilized others and after
performing traditional rites sealed off a secondary school returned to our
church by the government. The ‘Christian heathen’, though a church
member does not know or understand why he or she should carry his/her
faith outside the four walls of the church building. The other group, ‘the
executive Christian’, because of his enhanced economic or social status,
sees his/her duty as that of donating money and attending church
programmes ceremoniously and at his convenience. He never contemplates
the fact that he too should be concerned with the Great Commission.
Page 36 of 69
The truth however is that every Anglican is baptized primarily to be an
evangelist. The pronouncement by the priest at baptism is indicative of this:
We receive this child into the congregation of Christ’s flock
And do sign him with the sign of the cross in token that hereafter he
shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and to
fight manfully under his banner, against sin,
the world and the devil; and to continue Christ’s faithful
soldier and servant unto his life’s end. Amen
The point we are trying to make in this synod is that making Christ known is
the duty of all Christians both ordained and lay, male and female, old and
young, rich and poor. In other words the Great Commission is a lifelong
assignment to every Christian. How one takes or responds to this
assignment is a major determinant of where one spends eternity. The
emphatic word of the Lord Jesus in Matthew 10:32&33 should not be taken
lightly:
Therefore whoever confesses (acknowledges) Me before
men, him I will also confess (acknowledge) before
My Father who is in Heaven. But whoever denies Me
before men, him I will deny before My Father who is
In Heaven.
One does not need a degree in theology, divinity or mission to carry out the
Great Commission. When one has a burning desire to obey this command,
God equips one for the task. In other words it is not capability but availability
that is the most important thing here. Again, one does not need to climb the
pulpit in order to make Christ known. The story of the Jewish slave girl in
2Kings chapter 5 should inspire and challenge us. Naaman the leper had
spent time and fortune seeking for health and healing to no avail. The girl’s
Page 37 of 69
advice that… “if my master were with the prophet in Samaria! for he would
heal him” (2kings 5:3) was followed, and Naaman, after some initial
hesitations obeyed the directives of prophet Elisha and became whole.
Listen to the confession he made thereafter:
… Indeed now I know that there is no God
in all the earth, except in Israel… please let
your servant be given two mule-loads of earth;
for your servant will no longer offer either burnt
offering or sacrifice to other gods, but to the Lord. (2Kg.5:15,17)
You can now see how the simple witnessing of a slave girl led to the
‘conversion’ of this army general to the God of Israel. This girl was first
convinced of the potency of the God of Israel and the effectiveness of the
ministry of Prophet Elisha. She would not have made that suggestion if she
was ignorant or at best a reluctant worshipper when she was in Israel.
This reminds me of the graphic definition by Michael Green that evangelism
is “a beggar telling another beggar where he has found bread”. This is the
heart of the matter! If the sole purpose of the Great Commission is to make
Christ known, then those who are involved in it must first of all have known
Christ. Trying to introduce a person you do not know to another person is an
exercise that has already failed before it started.
Our emphasis and focus in the three sessions of our Seventh Synod is
mission/evangelism. Our theme next year will be The Power for Mission. We
must stress it again and again that obedience to the Great Commission is a
necessary prerequisite for eternal life. As a result, we shall leave no stone
Page 38 of 69
unturned in our effort to equip as many people as possible for this
unavoidable task. This is because my earnest desire is for every member of
Okigwe South Diocese to make heaven. In between the Synod sessions, we
shall roll out programmes that will assist us get started with the demands of
this God- given assignment. These programmes will involve children, youth,
men and women.
The monthly night vigil has already started. We are grateful to that our
brother who has donated a 17KVA supper sound proof generator on wheels
for this. May God bless him abundantly. We still need an efficient public
address system and a band set for this programme to succeed. No effort
should be spared in gathering our young ones together both at night and in
the day time to make them grow in the faith of our fathers.
Secondly an annual bible recitation competition is hereby instituted in this
Diocese to sow the seed of the gospel in the hearts of people to equip them
for the great commission. The word of God has been variously described as
light, lamp, sword of the spirit etc. We need it to succeed in life. As already
emphasized, the competition, which holds every October will involve various
categories of our church membership and shall go with handsome prizes:
Category 1: Primary School Pupils
1st position
-
Junior Secondary School Scholarship
2nd position
-
2 years Junior Secondary scholarship
3rd position
-
1 year
Junior Secondary Scholarship
Category 2: Junior Secondary Students
1st position
-
3 years scholarship in the senior sec. school
2nd position
-
2 years senior secondary scholarship
3rd position
-
1 year senior secondary scholarship
Page 39 of 69
Category 3: Senior sec. students, school leavers and undergraduates
1st position
-
One laptop computer with a bible
2nd position -
One laptop computer with a worship book
3rd position
One laptop computer
-
Category 4: Apprentices, self employed youth, men and women
1st position
-
N50, 000 cash
2nd position -
N30, 000 cash
3rd position
N25, 000 cash
-
A committee of five eminent personalities has been asked to ensure the
success of this exercise:
1. Sir Cyprian Agim
-
Chairman
2. Hon Justice C. A Ononeze-Madu
-
Member
3. Hon Barr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba
-
Member
4. Lady Prof Ngozi Anyanwu
-
Member
5. Rev Nathaniel Ogubuike
-
Secretary
Note that one must score at least 50% to win any prize. Again these prizes
are mere incentives to motivate one to fill ones heart with the Word of God.
Those who don’t actually need the prizes should please participate for their
own spiritual growth. We need assistance in securing these prizes. The
book of the Bible chosen for this year’s competition is Proverbs while
Ecclesiastes will be for 2013.
Furthermore, the week beginning from 20th of August this year has been set
aside for training on the rudiments and fundamentals of evangelism. It will
hold at Mount Olives Seminary Umuezeala Nsu. A group will be coming
Page 40 of 69
from Jos to run this programme. We are targeting at least 500 participants
from across the Diocese. The fee is N5,000.00 per participants. We appeal
that people should start now to save for this all important programme. Those
who can are encouraged to sponsor others. Thereafter a school of
discipleship will come on board to keep brushing us up and equipping us
better for the work of mission and evangelism. Then from 2012, the last
weekend of every November shall feature a diocesan convention that will be
a time of refreshing for all.
Beloved, you will recall that in our first synod as bishop in this Diocese held
at St. Cyprian’s Church Umuihi, we did declare our agenda/vision stressing
our commitment to the evolving of:
… a diocese that is strongly rooted in the word of God;
which exists for mission and evangelism;
where every member is an evangelist, a place where
the church is sensitive and responsive to the spiritual and
physical needs of the people of God thereby making itself
relevant to the present age and time; a diocese that is
truly self sustaining, where the poor will not only have
the good news proclaimed to them, but also have a taste
of the same…
We hereby under God renew our commitment to this objective.
6.5.
Conclusion
The great Commission is a mandatory assignment from the Lord of the
Church himself. It is a life time assignment for all, especially those who have
eternity in focus. It does not exclude anybody. It is a command and not a
wish. It demands total obedience. It is the last word or directive that came
from the Lord Jesus Christ before his ascension. No reasonable son plays
or jokes with a father’s are parting word. This is the only assignment given
to us individually and as a church that should engage us in the period
Page 41 of 69
between the Ascension and the Second Advent. Every other concern is
secondary. Anyone who thinks that he or she is a Christian that will be
saved on the last day, but is either too busy, afraid or shy to go on
evangelism is only dreaming. The Lord Jesus Himself said:
… if anyone loves Me, he will keep My word;
and My Father will love him and We will come to
him and make Our home with him. He who does
not love Me does not keep My word; and the word
which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who
sent Me. (John 14:23-24)
Our love for Jesus our Lord is only demonstrated by our obedience to His
word and/or command. If you keep His word and He and His Father make
their home with you, what else in this world do you need. The authority to
succeed is guaranteed and His divine presence assured. Hear then this
charge, command, instruction and/or assignment and take it to heart:
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
all the things that I have commanded you; and lo I am
with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen
If you have resolved to commit yourself entirely to this divine assignment,
please stand up and sing with me:
I am ready to obey Your Word (Dc)
I am ready to obey the living Word of God
I am ready to obey Your Word.
Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to
present you faultless before the presence of his glory with
exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and
majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen
Page 42 of 69
Your Brother and Bishop
+David
Page 43 of 69
APPENDIX A
A. LIST OF CHURCH WORKERS THAT HAVE SERVED IN ST. PAUL’S
CHURCH AVUTU SINCE 1920
1. James Anyakie
-
1920-1922
2. M. Ezeukwu
-
1923-1924
3. F. Eke
-
1924-1925
4. S. Nwako
-
1926:
5. M. Ibeto
-
1927-1928
6. A.N. Okwuosa
-
1928-1929
7. M. Nnadozie
-
1929:
8. A. Onwuama
-
1929:
9. James Anyakie
-
1930-1931
10. J. Nwogem
-
1932-1933
11. J. Nwambaekwe
-
1934-1935
12. J. Ajuruchi
-
1936-1939
13. J.N. Nwokenna
-
1940-1941
14. Udoji
-
1942-1943
15. Atufunwa
-
1944-1946
16. S. Onwuama
-
1947-1948
17. D.O. Onwuagba
-
1949-1953
18. J.N. Okoli
-
1954-1955
19. N. Anya
-
1956-1958
20. J. Ahuchogu
-
1959-1961
21. Cat. Nwanebu
-
1962-1964
22. Cat. Nwebo
-
1965-1967
23. Enyuruchi
-
1971:
24. Ohanaka
-
1972:
25. Rev. E.N. Nwagwu
-
1972-1975
26. Rev. T. Ukwuoma
-
1976-1979
27. Rev. G. Ahanonu
-
1979-1980
28. Rev. T. Alozie
-
1981:
29. Rev. R.S.A. Oguzie
-
1982:
30. Rev. G. Adiole
-
1982-1985
Page 44 of 69
31. Cath. S. Njoku
-
1982-1985
32. Rev. E. Echeka
-
1986-1989
33. D. Alaegbu
-
1986-1989
34. Dan Onuoha
-
1986-1989
35. E.C. Isiokwu
-
1986-1989
36. Canon C. Anusiem
-
1990:
37. Kenneth Anyanwu
-
1990:
38. Christopher Okonkwo -
1990:
39. Rev. J.C. Ihekwaba
-
1991-1993
40. Cath. Israel Alia
-
1991-1993
41. Ezekiel Okereke
-
1991-1993
42. Rev. Canon Nwadigo
-
199-1995
43. Rev. L.S.E. Nwoke
-
1996-1998
44. Rev. Akaniro
-
1999-2000
45. Rev. Chima Okorie
-
1999-2000
46. Rev. E. Ebo
-
2001-2002
47. Rev. A. Chinedu
-
2001-2002
48. Rev. P. Ezeji
-
2001-2002
49. Rev. M. Okafor
-
2001-2002
50. Ven. D.O. Onuoha
-
2003-2007
51. Rev. E.C. Diala
-
2003-2007
52. Ikechi Nwagu
-
2003-2007
53. Ven. D. Ohanaka
-
2008-2010
54. Rev. C. Iwuchukwu
-
2008-2010
55. Fabian Igwe
-
2008-2010
56. Rev. Canon C.U. Okereke
2011-2012
57. Rev. G.O.C. Chukwuemeka
2011-2012
58. Rev. Emma Nwaichi
-
2011-2012
59. Onyema Okoro
-
2011
Page 45 of 69
B INDIGENOUS CLERGY
1. Late Rev. Canon J.N. Anyanwu
2. Late Rev. Obadiah Nwokorie
3. Ven. Emma Ogundu
4. Rev. Canon Maduabuchi Anyanwu
5. Rev. Iheanyi Eneregbu
6. Rev. Samuel Chikezie
7. Rev. Samuel Anyanwu
8. Rev. Geoffrey Nwudo
9. Rev. Kelechi Ejigini
Page 46 of 69
APPENDIX B
2011 TITHE PERFORMANCES FROM N50,000 AND ABOVE
S/NO
1
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
NAMES
Mr. Emeka Williams Nwaigwe
Rt. Hon. Sir Jonas Okeke
Chief Chima Ugo
Engr. Declan Achinanya
Dr. E.U. Iwuoha
Chibuike Chukwuocha
Okey Chukwuocha
Dame C.A. Ononeze-Madu
Sir Johnson Nwosu
Rt. Rev. David O.C. Onuoha
Lady Prof. Ngozi Anyanwu
Sir Dave Nwosu
Sir Engr. Chinedu Ukabiala
Sir Ben Ekedebe
Anonymous
Mr. Geroge Njoku
Mr. Chukwuma Anyanwu
Mrs. Chigozie Nwajiuba
Sir C.O. Okereke
Engr. Emma Njoku
Mr. Chidiebere Okoroafor
Sir Dr. D.S.C. Emeruem
Lady Ngozi Ekeoba
Mr. Chukwuma Osuagwu
Mr. Chuks Njoku
Mrs. Chinyere Okalowe
Mr. Goswill C. Okereke
Mr. Basil Nwokeke
Mr. Stanley Agim
Sir Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba
Lady V.A. Mbakwe
Dame Rechael Onwusonye
Hon. Eli Dibia
Sir Engr. O.C. Nwokenkwo
Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba
Sir Godfrey Osigwe
Engr. Udodirim Onyirimba
Chief C.Y. Agim
Mrs. Success Ohanele
PARISHES
East Central Obowo
Ikperejere
East Central Obowo
Etiti
Umunakanu
Cathedral
Cathedral
Umueleke
Eastern Obowo
Lowa
Obowo
Umueze Owerre
Amainyi
Cathedral
Cathedral
Ibe owerre
Obowo
Umuezeala Nsu
Umuezeala Nsu
Onicha Uboma
Umunumo
Cathedral
Cathedral
Ehime Central
Ibeowerre
Lowa
Oparanaezeala
Cathedral
Umunumo
Umuezeala Nsu
Eastern Obowo
Ibeowerre
Umunachi
Onicha Uboma
Umuezeala Nsu
Umuoma
Umuduruegwelle
Umunumo
Abueke
AMOUNT (N)
2,000,000.00
1,250,000.00
1,000,000.00
1,000,000.00
943,000.00
849,000.00
826,000.00
815,000.00
800,000.00
727,510.00
710,000.00
601,000.00
566,000.00
501,000.00
500,000.00
477,200.00
452,000.00
450,000.00
430,000.00
423,000.00
400,000.00
361,000.00
345,124.00
340,000.00
320,000.00
297,000.00
286,000.00
285,000.00
260,000.00
250,000.00
238,000.00
222,200.00
221,000.00
220,000.00
216,000.00
208,850.00
205,000.00
200,000.00
200,000.00
Page 47 of 69
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
Mr. Ahamefula Onuoha
Mrs. Blessing Onuoha
Mrs. Amaka Osuagwu
Sir Ozoemena Ekeledo
Mr. Daberechi Nwosu
Mr. David Ebiringa
Mr. Emma Dick
Mr. Davidson Nwosu
Mr. Eric Ibekwe
Obinna Nwokeke
Nnenna Osuagwu
Eze Abel Osuji
Sir E.E. Njoku
Mrs. Ijeoma Anyanwu
Dame Comfort Uwadoka
Chima Chukwuocha
James Isilebo
Sir Matthew Uchegbu
Sir Luke Dike
Dr. Christopher C. Eze
Mr. Eze Okalowe
Sir George Etugo
Sir Bright Nwelue
Sir Dr. Agabus Nwachukwu
Lady Weruche Emeruem
Mrs. Chinonso Ugo
Miss Chizoba Nwosu
Sir Matthew Osuji
Ugoeze Oluchi Osuji
Sir Ben Nwaneri
Sir Samuel Urechukwu (HRH)
Ojiugo Emeruem
Kelechi Nwelue
Nze I.U. Edih
Sir Shedrack Achinanya
Sir Dr. C.G. Anosike
Sir Sam Nwaire
Dr. Godson Anyanwu
Lady Oluchi Anyanwu
Chief Duru
Mr. Chukwunyere Anamekwe
Sir Dan Osuagwu
Lady Ngozi Agim
Lowa
Lowa
Ehime Central
Cathedral
Eastern Obowo
Umungwa
Abueke Central
Eastern Obowo
Western Obowo
Western Obowo
Umunachi
Onicha Uboma
Ibeowerre
Obowo
East Central “
Cathedral
Cathedral
Western Obowo
Umueleke
Trinity
Lowa
Uboma
Cathedral
Cathedral
Cathedral
East Central Obowo
Umuduruegwelle
Uboma
Onicha Uboma
Umuezeowerre
Umueleke
Cathedral
Cathedral
Onicha Uboma
Etiti
Obowo
Ikperejere
Trinity
Trinity
Trinity
Umuezeala Nsu
Umuezeala Nsu
Umunumo
200,000.00
193,000.00
181,000.00
180,000.00
175,000.00
170,000.00
163,000.00
158,000.00
150,000.00
150,000.00
150,000.00
150,000.00
150,000.00
147,000.00
145,000.00
140,000.00
137,000.00
135,000.00
134,000.00
130,000.00
125,000.00
120,000.00
120,000.00
120,000.00
120,000.00
119,000.00
118,000.00
115,000.00
113,000.00
110,000.00
110,000.00
108,000.00
108,000.00
103,000.00
102,000.00
101,000.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
Page 48 of 69
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
120
121.
122.
123.
124.
125.
Sir George Emeruem
Emeka Ekedebe
Sir Angus Chukwuemeka
Mr. J.M. Onuoha
Mr. Okechukwu Onuoha
Obinna Egbukichi
Sir Abel Chukwuocha (HRH)
Mr. Michael Nwonu
Sir Jasper Chukwuemeka
Mrs. Rose Anyanwu
Mrs. Cecilia Egwim
Mrs. Virginia Onuoha
Mrs. Jenny Osuagwu
Sir Ifeanyi Ogu
Barr. I.K. Iwuoha
Sir Uzo Ucheoma
Sir Ebere Ucheoma
Sir Dan C. Ucheoma
Mr. Francis Agim
Sir Reginald Nwosu
Solomon Echefu
Engr. E. Egbuka
Sir Emmanuel Igwe
Ven. Obinna Ibezim
Eze Lance Uwadoka
Sir Chibuzo Nwadigo
Sir Eric N. Ekwueme
Sir Frank Mgbaja
Josephine Akano
Mrs. Chinwe Anyalebechi
Mrs. Philomena Uchegbu
Sir Don Akaniro
Sydney Akobundu
Lady Uche B. Nwelue
Sir John Onajah
Rev. Christopher Okoronkwo
Nonye Achinanya
Mr. Ogbonna Igwe
Obinna Ndubueze
Mr. Justus Kenkwo
Mr. Joseph Okorie
Mr. Kelechukwu Ibekwe
Sir D.I. Azuike
Cathedral
Cathedral
Ikenanzizi
Uboma
Uboma
Umunachi
Eastern Obowo
Obowo
Obowo
Ehime Central
Eastern obowo
Umungwa
Ehime Central
Amainyi
Umunakanu
Onicha Uboma
Onicha Uboma
Onicha Uboma
Umunumo
Umueleke
Ikenanzizi
Ikenanzizi
Okorongelle
Cathedral
East Central
Cathedral
Oparanaezeala
Umunachi
Nzerem
Umuoma
Obowo central
Western obowo
Umuoma
Cathedral
Achara
Obowo central
Etiti
Uboma
Lowa
Lowa
Uboma Central
Obowo
Umunakanu
100,000.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
99,000.00
99,000.00
90,000.00
90,000.00
98,000.00
88,000.00
86,000.00
85,000.00
84,000.00
84,000.00
84,000.00
84,000.00
84,000.00
83,570.00
80,000.00
80,000.00
80,000.00
80,000.00
80,000.00
76,000.00
76,000.00
75,000.00
75,000.00
75,000.00
74,000.00
74,000.00
73,000.00
73,000.00
73,000.00
71,000.00
71,000.00
70,000.00
70,000.00
70,000.00
70,000.00
70,000.00
67,000.00
66,000.00
Page 49 of 69
126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
148.
149.
150.
151.
152.
153
154.
155.
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
164.
165.
166.
167.
168.
Ven. C.C. Nwadigo
Chibuike Akaniro
Mrs. Hanna Nwachukwu
Mrs. Caroline Ogechi Ihekwoab
Mrs. Chinwe Emeribe
Lady Mitchell Ucheoma
Lady Felicia Ucheoma
Lady Uju Ucheoma
Mr. Uche Okeke Rufus
Sir Theodore Ibeawuchi
Lolo Eileen Iheagwaram
Jessica Odoemenam
Mrs. Charity Okereke
Lady Alice Okorie
Sir Denis Nganya
Sir Joe Nna
Lady Susan Nwadigo
Mr. Richard Nwaiwu
Mr. Godson Nwobasi
Matilda Echefu
Sir A.B.C. Uche
Sunday Emeka Akwaegbu
Mrs. Evelyn Nwosu
Sir Barr. C.B. Mbawuike
Defensor Onyemara
Matthias
Hon. Uchenna Okika
Sir Temple Uchendu
Sunday Anyaogu
Vent. Timothy Anyanwu
Mr. Onyebuchi
Sir Uzoma Ekeoba
Nkem Nwodim
Rev. O.C. Okeke
Sir Lasbrey Ejiogu
Sir J.C. Nwajiuba
Mrs. C.C. Okeke
Mrs. Gladys Osuagwu
Ven. Collins Igwe
Sir Chijioke Uhie
Mr. B.O. Ugochukwu
Barr. Charles Onyirimba
Sir Sylvanus Anyanwu
Umualumaku
Western obowo
Cathedral
Nzerem
Achara
Onicha Uboma
Onicha Uboma
Onicha Uboma
Uboma Central
Obowo
Achara
Umuezeowerre
Ikperejere
Uboma central
Umuezeowerre
Umuezeala Nsu
Cathedral
Etiti
Achara
Ikenanzizi
Umuduruegwelle
Oparanaezeala
Eastern obowo
East central
Etiti
Achara
Etiti
Uboma
Umuoma
Ibeowerre
Abueke Central
Cathedral
Western obowo
Umuoma
Umueleke
Umuezeala Nsu
Umuoma
Etiti
Cathedral
Etiti
Umuduruegwelle
Umuduruegwelle
Cathedral
64,000.00
62,000.00
62,500.00
62,400.00
61,000.00
60,000.00
60,000.00
60,000.00
60,000.00
60,000.00
60,000.00
60,000.00
59,000.00
59,000.00
57,000.00
56,500.00
56,500.00
55,000.00
55,000.00
55,000.00
55,000.00
55,000.00
55,000.00
54,000.00
54,000.00
54,000.00
54,000.00
53,000.00
53,000.00
53,000.00
52,400.00
52,000.00
52,000.00
52,000.00
52,000.00
51,600.00
51,500.00
51,000.00
50,000.00
50,400.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
Page 50 of 69
169.
170.
171.
172.
173.
174.
175.
176.
177.
178.
179.
180.
181.
182.
184.
185.
186.
187.
188.
Evan. Law Uwa
Chief Johnson Nwokorie
Kelechi Anamekwe
Barr. Emma Igwe
Joy Ikoro
Lady Monica Igwe
Sir Richard Anyanwu
Sir Innocent Nwaodu
Lady Eucharia Nganya
Mr. C.C. Anyawu
Ven. D.C. Ohanaka
Mr. Christopher Anele
Ven. Honest Nwosu
Lady Joy Ekwueme
Mrs. Ojiugo Ebo
Barr. Chinedu Ebo
Ven. Lawrence Nwoke
Mrs. Josephine Ijezie
Mr. Onyema Biringa
Nzerem
Umuezeala Nsu
Umuezeala Nsu
Etiti
Western obowo
Okorongelle
Umuezeowerre
Umuezeowerre
Umuezeowerre
Ehime Central
Ehime central
Ehime central
Umueleke
Oparanaezeala
Lowa
Lowa
East central
Umungwa
Umungwa
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
50,000.00
Page 51 of 69
APPENDIX C
OFFICIAL LIST OF
RECOGNIZED KNIGHTS OF OKIGWE SOUTH DIOCESE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
Sir Ben Ekedebe
Sir Richard O.A. Anyanwu
Sir Eze Samuel Urechukwu
Sir Matthew Uchegbu
Sir Cyprian Agim
Sir Jonah C. Nwajiuba
Sir Anthony Emeruem
Sir Dr. Daniel Emeruem
Sir Dennis Okechukwu Nwokorie
Sir John Onukogu
Sir Japheth Azubuine
Sir Ernest Okorie
Sir Isaiah Anyanwu
Sir James Okafor
Sir Dan Ezikaihe
Sir Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba
Sir Chibuzo Nwadigo
Sir Dominic Nnajieze Akaniro
Sir Gibson Anusiem
Sir Obadiah Ugochukwu
Sir John Okpara
Sir Isaac Anyabuike
Sir Uzoma Chukwu
Sir Marcus Ebezie
Sir Cyril Egbuchue
Sir Jasper Chukwuemeka
Sir Raymond Akanaga
Sir Dennis Nganya
Sir Augustine Inegbu
Sir Obi Nwokonkwo
Sir John Dibia
Dame Gladys Maduakor
Sir Godson Duru
Sir Benson Ugwu
Sir Richard C. Anyanwu
Page 52 of 69
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
Sir Augustine Ononiwu
Sir Chijioke Uhie
Sir Felix Chukwunyere
Sir Chidi Anyanwu
Sir John Osueke
Sir Samuel Nwelue
Sir Edmund Egenkika
Sir Joshua Ogbonna
Sir Sydney Okorie
Sir Godson Uwalaka
Sir Donald Ibeawuchi
Sir Godffrey C. Osigwe
Sir Boniface Mbawuike
Sir Bethel Igbokwe
Sir Reginald Obasi Nwosu
Sir Francis Mgbajah
Sir Dennis Azuike
Sir Dan Ogubuike
Sir Lawrence O. Udochukwu
Sir Timothy Okeke
Sir Jonny C. Ononiwu
Sir Tobias Ohaekwe
Sir Abraham B.C. Uchegbu
Sir Hezekiah Ovuike
Sir Godwin Okebaram Ohueri
Sir Benedict Chukwunyere
Sir Rowland Uzoma Okeke
Sir Innocent Chukwuemeka Amadikwa
Sir Matthew Chika Osuji
Sir Bright Nwelue
Sir Emmanuel Nwokeiwu
Sir Nathaniel Ukauwa Mbonu
Sir Temple M. Uchendu
Sir Anosike Goderick Chilezie
Sir Lambo I.D. Igwe
Sir Agabus Nwachukwu
Dame Justice C.A. Ononeze-Madu
Sir Theophilus Iwuoha
Sir Godfry Nwosu
Sir Allwell Ohajunwa
Sir Chijioke Okereke
Page 53 of 69
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
Sir Samuel Chidiebere Okeke
Sir Chijioke J. Onyirimba
Sir Theodore Ibeawuchi
Sir Reuben Anyanwu
Sir M.O. Nwebelle
Sir Samson Nwiwu
Sir Isaiah Ajuka
Sir Ambrose O. Nwokorie
Sir Nehemaih Uzoma Alukogu
Sir Chuks I. Okoronkwo
Sir Godson Akwaegbu
Sir Emmanuel C. Nwosu
Sir Geoffrey Emeribole
Dame G.C. Ekeoba
Sir Eugene Akasike
Sir M.A. Nwachukwu
Sir Lazarus Nnawunezi
Sir R.B.I. Ogoke
Sir H.C. Nwachukwu
Sir Philip Onuomo
Sir D.O.C. Anyalebechi
Sir Titus Igwe
Sir Ephraim Okereke
Sir Humphrey Onuoha
Sir Ebenezer Ndubueze
Sir Innocent Egbeocha
Page 54 of 69
APPENDIX D
NAMES OF NOVICES
S/NO
NAME
PARISH
1.
Chief Johnson Nwokorie
Umuezeala Nsu
2.
Chief Hillary Chinedum Okafor
Etiti
3.
Jonas Chima Iwuanyanwu
Umueze Owerre
4.
Josiah Maduabuchi Onuoha
Uboma
5.
Augustine Uzodinma Korie
Obowo
6.
Lucky Iheanyi Okezie
Umungwa
7.
Basil Chika Nwokeke
Cathedral
8.
Ahamefule Mgbajah B.
Obowo
9.
Innocent Nnamdi Nwagwu
Umunachi
10.
Solomon Onyemaechi Nwaoku
Uboma
11.
Eleazar Amarachukwu Nwosu
Umueze Owerre
12.
Cornelius Iheanacho Anyanwu
Umueze Owerre
13.
Uzoma Reuben Ucheoma
Onicha Uboma
14.
David C. Opiri
Umungwa
15.
Mr. Sydney Ibekwe Iheohakara
Achara
16.
Nwelue Kelechi Newton K.
Cathedral
17.
Joel Ibe Ekwonwa
East Central
18.
Chief Chima Ugo
East Central
19.
Dennis Eberechukwu Nwaiwu
East Central
20.
Mr. Edwin Irocheonwu Udechukwu
Cathedral
21.
Mrs. Eunice Nwaugo Nwaoha
Abueke Central
22.
Ezinne Comfort Nzeduru
Cathedral
23.
Mr. Samuel Osuagwu
Obowo
24.
Mr. Nathan Osuji
Etiti
25.
Mr. Innocent Edih
Onicha Uboma
26.
Mr. Richard Onyeneho
Obowo
27.
Dr. Anthony Okeke
Obowo Central
Page 55 of 69
APPENDIX E
THE MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM THE 10TH GENERAL SYNOD OF THE CHURCH OF
NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) HELD FROM THE 19TH – 23RD OF SEPTEMBER 2011 AT
THE ARCHBISHOP VINING MEMORIAL CHURCH CATHEDRAL, OBA AKINJOBI ROAD, G.R.A.
IKEJA LAGOS
1. INTRODUCTION
The tenth Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), comprising the
House of Bishops, the house of Clergy and the House of Laity, under the guidance
of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of the Most Rev. Nichoas D. Okoh,
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, held the Opening Eucharist
and other General Synod proceedings at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church
Cathedral, Oba Akinjobi Road, G.R.A., Ikeja, Lagos between September 19th – 23rd
2011. The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria sent encouraging words to
synod in a goodwill message and we were honoured by the presence of the
Deputy Governor of Lagos State Her Excellency, Hon. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire
representing the State Governor His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola
(SAN), and the former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His
Excellency Dr. Alex Ekwueme. We also received gracious and kind words from
former Primates of our Church, the Most Rev. Dr. Abiodun Adealilye, and the Most
Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola.
The theme of the Synod was ‘Restoring the years the Locusts have eaten Joel
2:25-27 and at the conclusion, the Synod issued this message to the nation.
2. RESTORING THE YEARS THE LOCUSTS HAVE EATEN
The Synod theme, taken from the book of prophet Joel Chapter 2 verses 25-27
was exhaustively considered through the Sermons, Bible studies and seminars and
was related to every aspect of our National life. Synod identified all areas the locust
have caused destruction in our country such as the peace, economy, education,
politics and infrastructure etc. however God has promised to restore the wasted
years as a nation if only we will all genuinely repent of all forms of unrighteousness
now prevalent in the country. Synod therefore calls on all Nigerians to repent and
turn to God so that a “time of refreshing may come from the Lord” Acts 3:19. We
call all Nigerians to prayer, righteous living, and a heartfelt love for one another and
so put themselves in a position to be revived by God.
3. THREAT OF PEACE AND UNITY
Synod is greatly disturbed by the level of insecurity of lives and property in the
nation. The frequent and continual killings, bombings, kidnapping, armed robbery,
religious unrests, ethnic and political crisis, terrorist activities (especially the Boko
Haram menace) have imposed great distress on the population where a citizen is
not safe to live anywhere in the country is unacceptable.
Page 56 of 69
We therefore join other well meaning Nigerians and International bodies strongly
condemning the recent bombings particularly that of the United Nations building in
Abuja and the killing of innocent people in Jos, Maiduguri, Kafanchan, Bauchi and
other parts of our country. The Government is called upon as a matter of urgency,
to decisively contain this national embarrassment and bring the perpetrators to
book. Synod also demands that security agencies in the country be restructured
and adequately equipped to curb this menace. Synod calls on Government to
compensate all those affected by these reckless and unjustifiable actions of
wanton destruction of lives and property. Synod calls upon all sections of the
country, cultures, and sub cultural groups, and religious groups to work for the
peace and unity of the country and avoid putting sectional and sub cultural group
interest above that of the nation. Synod further observed that seeking group
advantages over others promotes injustice, hence should be discouraged by all in
the common interest of our national peace, unity and progress.
4. CORRUPTION
Synod notes with dismay the unabated presence of corruption in all aspects of our
national life. This has hindered Nigeria economic growth and creates evasive
institutional mismanagement. Synod calls on the three arms of government to
reinvigorate the anti corruption agencies and create barriers which will prevent
people from corrupt practice. Furthermore, past anti present corrupt persons
should be brought to timely justice, to send clear message to all.
5. THE STATE OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE NATION
Synod commends the Federal and some State Governments for the attention given
to the rehabilitation and construction of some public utilities such as the effort at
resuscitating the railways and the dredging water ways. However it is important to
make the coast line of the rivers secure. But synod also observes with great
concern the unceasing decay of other public infrastructure in the nation, such as
highways, feeder roads, city roads, etc. synod calls on government at all levels to
take appropriate and immediate recovery measures to check this decay, as well as
provide more infrastructure so as to give the much needed hope and relief to the
impoverished and disillusioned citizens of our country.
Specifically, Synod urges the Federal Government to ensure that those partnering
with her in the delivery of crucial projects such as the whole area of power and the
second Niger Bridge expedite delivery.
6. URGENT REVAMPING OF THE ECONOMY
The Church of Nigeria notes the Federal Government efforts at revamping the
economy and urges the Federal Government as a matter of urgency invest more in
different sectors of our national life especially in the whole area of Agriculture that
will accelerate the much needed growth in the economy and provide employment.
7. INDUSTRIAL HARMONY
It has also been observed that our nation has suffered setbacks due to incessant
strike actions embarked upon by the organized law. Therefore Synod calls on the
Federal and State Governments to honour all agreements with labour unions,
Page 57 of 69
particularly on the issue of the minimum wage. This will add value to the life of
Nigerian worker.
Furthermore, Synod calls on the Government to consider having only one body to
regulate the salaries of all public officers. This will help to harmonize worker’s
salaries/wages and guarantee that all categories of public officers are fairly treated.
It will also stem the tide of incessant strikes in our country. Synod joins other
international agencies to call on the Federal Government, State and authentic
middle class in our nation, to bridge the gap between the super rich and the abject
poor. Moreover, Government and ASUU should save Nigerians another nightmare
of ASUU strike.
8. NON-INTEREST BANKING
Synod notes with dismay, the ploy by the Central Bank of Nigeria to further gender
strife by the use of official government apparatus CBN to champion the cause of
one religion in a religiously pluralistic nation. This act is not only misconceived but
also contradictory to the spirit and provisions of our National constitution. Synod
therefore, calls on the CBN and the Federal Government to make general
provisions and guidelines for interest banking and allow citizens to pursue their
special areas of interest. The CBN should borrow a floe from the Ministry of
Education.
9. HUMAN RIGHTS
Synod recognizes that the enforcement of human rights is an essential element in
the administration of justice, but calls on all people of God to beware of the
perverse and selfish re-definition of liberal secularism and human rights by some
international bodies whose main agenda is to impose unbiblical lifestyles of
humanity.
10. DIVINE COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE
Synod notes with delight the forthcoming Divine Commonwealth Conference
(DIVCCON) being organized by the Church of Nigeria from November 7 th – 11th
2011 the country, as prevalent in the Godhead. This then should hasten the
manifestation of the environment for the much urgent transformation and
restoration of the nation. Synod therefore endorses this participation by all.
11. GLOBAL ANGLICAN RELATIONS
This Church is determined to continue to uphold the authority of the Scripture, and
the uniqueness and Lordship of Jesus Christ. Synod remains resolute in our
decision to uphold the sanctity of male female marriage, the Historic Faith, and this
eminent position of the Bible as the rule for faith and morality.
Synod calls upon our brethren in CAPA, GLOBA SOUTH and GAFCON to remain
faithful to God and be more devoted to the urgency of the Great Commission in the
Advent Hope. We strongly believe GAFCON holds the way forward for Orthodox
Anglicans and we will continue to play leading role in the movement.
12. CONCLUSION- CALL FOR PRAYER
Page 58 of 69
Synod calls for prayers and cooperation with the Federal Government as it
honestly believes that this Administration is the transit gate for Nigeria’s entry into
mature and patriotic nationhood, economic progress, overall development and
rehabilitation. The Church is convinced that if Nigeria will turn around from all
ungodly ways, turn to God and follow Him, Nigeria shall be revived and all that the
locusts have destroyed shall in God’s mercy be restored.
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten and the great locust and the
young locust, the other locusts and the locust warm my great army that I sent
among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the
name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my
people be ashamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your
God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be ashamed”. Joel 2:25-27.
Page 59 of 69
APPENDIX F
THE PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE 10TH GENERAL SYNOD OF THE CHURCH OF
NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) HELD FROM THE 19TH – 23RD OF SEPTEMBER
2011 AT THE ARCHBISHOP VINING MEMORAIL CHURCH CATHEDRAL, OBA
AKINJOBI ROAD, GRA IKEJA, LAGOS
My dear people of God,
Grace and peace to you from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give all glory,
honour and praise the Almighty God for His mercies and grace which are renewed to us
every day, and for the hope of salvation which we have in His son, our Saviour Jesus
Christ.
The 10th General Synod of our church was held under the protection of the Almighty God
at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja in the Diocese of Lagos West from
1th – 23rd September 2011. A total number of 64 bishops, 306 clergymen and 614 lay
members of our church were present including the women delegates led by the Holy Spirit,
we reflected on the theme “Restoring the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25-27) like
the nation of Israel in the days of prophet Joel, a country has been under a very serious
attack by locusts which have inflect great devastation, decay and harm to every part of our
national life- social, economic, political, spiritual etc, the result of which include growing
level of insecurity, deplorated state of infrastructure, high degree of moral decadence and
the prevalence of corruption.
The church, the family and the individual Nigerian are not spared from the attacks as most
plans and programmes for the improvement of life and living in the nation have only
succeeded in the breach deed an enemy has done this! However, the good news is that
our most gracious and merciful God has plans to restore unto us the years these locusts
have eaten. His voice which clearly came to us through sermons, bible studies etc in this
synod reassured us of His promise to make our nation, church, families and individuals the
envy of others. Yes, He is set to usher in a time of refreshing. Nevertheless, genuine
repentance, confession of and determination of enthrone righteousness are preconditions
for the fulfillment of this divine promise. We therefore urge you in the name of God to
commit yourselves to a life of obedience, holiness and trust. Let us endeavour to do
ourselves of all those things, attitude and behaviours that offend God and strive daily to
put on righteousness so that these promise will manifest.
It is an incontrovertible fact that turn to true spirituality is the only condition that will
engender this restoration in order to bring about this, our church is putting together an
international conference to Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCON) which will hold
at the National Christian Centre, Abuja from 7th – 11th November 2011. We call on all to
pray for its success.
We should do well to remind ourselves that every Anglican is baptized to be an evangelist.
We propose by the grace of God to equip every lay person in our church to fulfill this time
honoured divine mandate. May we also implore you to be steadfast in prayer for our nation
and her leaders, most especially our President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, that God will give
Page 60 of 69
them the grace to overcome the various challenges buffeting our nation and that under
them, we may attain greater heights in all that is good, noble and excellent.
Brethren, it is a fact of life that quarrel, bickering divisions and strife hinder growth and
development. They also impede the progress, the spread of the gospel and ridicules the
church of God before believers. May we therefore passionately appeal to all the areas in
our church that still have unresolved problems and disagreement to do everything possible
to sink their differences and allow peace to reign. Our church is determined more that ever
proud the authority of the scripture and the uniqueness and Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our
resolve to relate and partner only with groups and organizations that have a common mind
in this matter is not negotiable. We urge you all to always uphold the worldwide Anglican
Communion in prayer. We must be on the alert to prevent the insidious attempts to
legitimize sin in the name of human rights as being promoted by some international
organizations.
Beloved in the Lord, we deeply appreciate and are encouraged love and support we have
received from you since our assumption of office as Primate. The success of the St.
Matthias Day Special collection bears eloquent testimony to this. We have plans to put in
place programmes and projects that will be of multi benefits to both the church and the
society. In no distant time, we will usher our programme for our youth and disadvantaged
brethren, and how we can diversity our method of evangelism keeping with the challenges
of modern technology. We encouraged our youth to continue to keep faith with the
Anglican Church and remain steadfast in supporting and building it up. May we remind
ourselves once more that the Anglican Youth Fellowship is for the youth and not for the
grandfathers and grandmothers. It remains an organization for people under the age of 40
years. Our youth must be given the opportunity to develop our church.
We condole with the families of all those who lost their dear ones in recent mishaps that
befall the nation especially the beings in various locations and institutions in the country,
victims of unrest especially in Jos and Maiduguri, and the youth corpers who died in
postection violence in various parts of the country. We also remember the victims flood
disaster in Lagos and Ibadan as well as other types of occurrences. We remember
particulary the families of a former Dean of our Church, Archbishop of the old Province II
and Bishop on the Niger, the Most Revd. Jonathan O. Onyemelukwe prolocutor of the
house of clergy, Ven. Barr. Alex Adichie and the chancellor of Ogbomoso Diocese, Hon
Justice Ruth Gbemisola Oyetunda. May God be pleased to grant their souls eternal rest
and their families the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
We are deeply grateful to the bad and good people of the Diocese of Lagos West for
setting a new standard hosting our national meeting. We pray that their labour of love will
attract God’s blessing and favour.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
The love of God and the fellowship of the
Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen
Page 61 of 69
APPENDIX G
THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA
(Anglican Communion)
THE MOST REVD. NICHOLAS D. OKOH
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
COMMUNIQUE FROM THE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) HELD FROM 14 - 18
FEBRUARY, 2012 AT THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. FAITH, AWKA,
ANAMBRA STATE
1. INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) under the
guidance of the Holy Spirit and the leadership of the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh,
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) with his wife
Mrs. Nkasiobi Okoh, President of the Women and Girl's Organizations, met at the
Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, Anambra State, from February 14 - 18, 2012. One
hundred and thirty-eight bishops, one hundred and thirty-five clergymen and eighty
members of the house of laity were present. The Most Reverend Christian Efobi,
Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and the Rt. Rev'd Alex Ibezim,
Bishop of the Diocese of Awka welcomed the delegates. Goodwill messages were given
by His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, the Right
Honourable, Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, retired
Primate of The Church of Nigeria, Most Revd Dr. Peter 1. Akinola (ably represented by the
Rt. Revd Emmanuel Adekunle) and the retired Bishop of the Diocese of Awka and former
Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Maxwell Anikwenwa.
,
The theme of the meeting was 'Pressing on towards the goal' (Philippians 3:13-14), and at
the conclusion, the Standing Committee issued this Communiqué:
2. PRESSING ON TOWARDS THE GOAL
The Apostle Paul had lost everything. He was despised by his old associates and reared b
his new friends. He counted all of his earthly possessions as worth nothing compared with
the joy of knowing Jesus Christ. Instead of being discouraged he forgot all that was behind
and pressed on toward the goal for which God had called him heavenward He is a
wonderful testimony and encouragement for the many Nigerian Christians who have lost
everything in recent months. He is also a reminder o all Christians who must avoid
situations that can choke life out of them, make them unfruitful and distracted from their
focus on the Kingdom of God. Our only true security is to be found in our relationship with
the living God.
3. COMMENDATION
The Standing Committee commends the Government on efforts towards realizing an
uninterrupted power supply in the country. The Standing Committee commends the
Government on efforts to rehabilitate railroads across the country and build new ones.
The Standing Committee Commends Government's efforts to enhance the production and
quality of local Rice, as a step in the right direction, as this will help to provide employment
and restore the respect of our country and self sustainability.
The Standing Committee commends the Government for trying to check the corruption in
the oil industry and calls upon Government to ensure that all those found guilty are
punished accordingly.
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4. CONCERNS ABOUT NATIONAL SECURITY
The Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) hereby
reiterates its call on the Federal Government to take all necessary measures to provide
adequate security for all Nigerians and urgently reiterates that call. It also strongly urges
all relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure that all those responsible for this current
terror campaign are quickly arrested and brought to justice. The Standing Committee
encourages all Churches to provide robust security arrangements for worshippers. We
remained committed, however, to the principle that all Nigerians should be free to live and
work and worship in any part of our great country. The Standing Committee joined with the
Primate in praying that God would rescue Nigeria from disunity, insecurity, economic
afflictions and political dysfunctions.
5. FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS
The Standing Committee calls on the Federal Government to show more than a cursory
interest in the plans of States and local Governments on how the money accruing to them
from oil subsidy would be spent. The Standing Committee calls on Government to provide
palliatives for the people before contemplating total removal of subsidy anytime.
6. FINANCIAL SUST AINABILITY
Considering the divine mandate to "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it",
the Standing Committee calls upon Government to do something quickly to diversify the economy
and save the country from unwholesome dependence on oil. Government should encourage
Nigerians to live responsibly by paying income tax whether in Government service or not. To stem
the current dependence on oil as a singular source of national income and the importance of
increasing employment and providing additional revenue, the Standing Committee encourages
Nigerians to establish agricultural enterprises to achieve these goals.
7. DIVINE COMMONWEALTH CONFERENCE (DIVCCON)
The Standing Committee was grateful for the initiative that led to the Divine Commonwealth
Conference held in Abuja in November 2011. We believe that this conference was an
important demonstration of our desire to engage in the complex issues confronting Nigeria
from the standpoint of Biblical truth and Christian faith. We were encouraged by the
overwhelming response to the conference, the powerful blessing that resulted and support the
plan to make this an annual gift to our nation. We note that the 2012 Edition of DIVCCON will
be held in Abuja during the week of November 5th.
8. RENEWED COMMITMENT FOR NATIONAL EVANGELISM
The Standing Committee acknowledges that we have been commissioned to "go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." We believe that
this mandate offers the best hope for the future of our nation and indeed of our world. We
therefore recommit ourselves to the work of grace filled evangelism throughout our nation
assured of God's favor if we obey God's call.
9. CONCLUSION
" ... Brothers, 1 do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 1 press on toward the goal to
win the prize for which as called me heavenward in Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 3.13-14).
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APPENDIX H
THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA
(Anglican Communion)
THE MOST REVD. NICHOLAS D. OKOH
Archbishop, Metropolitan and primate of all Nigeria
PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CHURCH OF
NIGERIA HELD AT THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST. FAITH AWKA FROM 14TH – 18TH
FEBRUARY 2012
My dear people of God.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen. The Standing Committee of our Church met under the protection of the
Almighty God at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith Awka in the Diocese of Awka, Anambra
State from Tuesday 14th - Saturday 18th February 2012. Our thoughts and reflection within
this period centered on the theme: Pressing on Towards the Goal (Phil.3:12-14). We
rejoice at the new insight, fresh, inspirations and deeper understanding of the word of God
with which the Holy Spirit nourished us at the gathering.
The message came more forcefully reminded us that the Christian life is a race and a
pilgrimage. It is fraught with many dangers and challenges. It is a race that has a goal, a
target and a focus. Our goal is to be with our Saviour Jesus Christ in the Kingdom which
He has gone to prepare for us. It is to spend eternity with God at the second coming of
Christ. We should therefore keep this in focus and vigorously press on to it.
There is are some things in our society today that tend to distract us from pressing on to
this goal- the care of the world, demonic forces, evil customs and traditions, outright
persecution, poverty, temptations, ethnicity and more recently the growing level of
insecurity in our land. No doubt, the menace of the Boko Haram sect, as well as the
effects of the removal of subsidy on petrol tempts not a few Christians to give up in the
race. We urge that we more than ever renew our faith and commitment not to fall by the
way side because it is only those who preserve to the end that will be saved2.
God is not unmindful of the prevailing the situation in our nation. As a community of the
faithful, we strongly believe that God is working His purpose out and surely behind the
frowning providence hides His smiling face. We need to avail ourselves of the enormous
spiritual resources that are ours through diligent study of the Bible and fervent prayers
knowing quite well that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual
hosts of wickedness in high places.
We must therefore lay aside every weight and the sin which easily ensnare us and run
with perservance the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher
of our faith4.
We urge you all, especially our fellow pilgrims in the northern part of this country not to be
discouraged by the devastations and destructions that are going on now. We all stand by
you in these difficult times. We have resolved as a church to work very hard to intensify
evangelism and church growth. With God on our side, all the years the locusts have eaten
will be restored. The Church of God will continuously match on and the gate of hell shall
never prevail against it.
* 2 Peter 1:2
* Mtt.24:13
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*Eph.6:12
Furthermore, we direct that adequate security arrangements be put in place as a matter of
urgency in all the churches of our communion to ensure the protection of lives and
properties for the days is evil.
Brethren, we implore you to remember that every Anglicans is baptized to be an
evangelism. We must make conscious efforts not only to deepen our faith in the Lord but
also share the same with others. We call on the leaders of our Church at various levels to
help the people of God exercise their gifts and fulfill their ministries. Specifically our youth
must not be left behind in this heavenly race and deliberate efforts should be made to
create a space for them to serve.
As we enter the Lenten season, please pray for our political leaders that God will give
them the moral strength and courage to serve for the ever all god of all Nigerians to the
glory of God. Pray also for us for the grace to tackle the problems challenging the smooth
running of our church especially the unwillingness of some Christians to work together. A
situation where communities intermarry, go to the same market, belong to the same local
government council, but refuse to belong to the same diocese detracts a lot from our
Christian character. We call on those who have taken it upon themselves to sow the seed
of disunity among brethren to have a change of mind as this could make them lose focus
and eventually cause them the crown of glory.
We thank you most sincerely for your support that ensured resounding success in both the
first St. Matthias Day contributions and the first Divine Commonwealth Conference
(DIVCON). We are grateful to God for the high turnout of participants from both within and
outside the country last year and urge you all to work harder for better results this year.
Beloved, we count a blessing a blessing to have you as partners in progress in this divine
project. May we continue to press on towards the goal of eternal life so that at the second
coming of Jesus Christ, we all shall be presented spotless and without wrinkles.
May the peace of the Lord be always with you.
4
. Heb.12:12
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APPENDIX I
Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans Leaders Conference
Statement and Commitment
In 2008 the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) was held in Jerusalem, drawing
together more than 1100 Anglicans from around the world, including bishops, clergy and
laity.
GAFCON recognized that the conflict in the Anglican Communion since 1998 was a crisis of
Gospel truth, not only regarding matters of human sexuality, but the authority of Holy
Scripture as God's inspired Word and the unique Person and Work of Jesus Christ for
salvation. In view of this crisis, the Conference unanimously affirmed that
our core identity as Anglicans is expressed in these words: The doctrine of the Church is
grounded in the Holy Scriptures and in such teachings of the ancient Fathers and Councils
of the Church as are agreeable to the said Scriptures. In particular, such doctrine is to be
found in the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, the Book of Common Prayer and the Ordinal.
We intend to remain faithful to this standard, and we call on others in the Communion to
reaffirm and return to it.
Claiming that GAFCON was "not just a moment in time but a movement in the Spirit", the
2008 Conference gave birth to a contemporary statement of faith, the Jerusalem
Declaration (JD) [http://fca.net/resources/the_jerusalem_declaration] and to a society,
the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (FCA) led by a Council of Primates. The movement
has become a family and fellowship with increasing trust and affection. The goals of the
FCA are twofold: to proclaim and defend the gospel throughout the world, and to
strengthen the church worldwide by supporting and authenticating faithful Anglicans who
have been disenfranchised from their spiritual homes.
Since 2008 the Primates of those Anglican Provinces who endorsed the Jerusalem
Declaration have met regularly and recognized the Anglican Church in North America as a
legitimate Province in the Anglican Communion. Many dioceses, parishes and individuals
have also endorsed the Jerusalem Declaration. National and regional branches of FCA
have been formed in South Africa, UK and Ireland. The Primates have also endorsed Being
Faithful: The Shape of Historic Anglicanism Today as a helpful commentary on the
Jerusalem Declaration.
From 23-27 Apri12012, the FCA held its first conference for Anglican leaders, addressing
the theme of Jesus the Christ, Unique and Supreme. Over 200 leaders from 30 countries
and 25 provinces, including bishops, clergy and laity, shared in our fellowship in the
Gospel and recommitted ourselves to the goals of the FCA. We gathered in a remarkable
spirit of joy and unity as we affirmed the lordship of Christ, his uniqueness and sufficiency.
We received from Anglican leaders accounts of terrorism leading to death and destruction
in Nigeria, and of persecution and ostracism of believers in Islamic and Hindu societies; we
heard from a Christian prolife and pro-marriage advocate who has been maligned by the
secular media in England, with precious little support from the Church establishment. We
heard numerous accounts from Anglican leaders around the world who have been
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FCA Leaders Conference Statement and Commitment
harassed by their own bishops and fellow clergy for their Gospel witness, yet have been
grateful for the stance of the FCA. We note that The Episcopal Church USA and the
Anglican Church of Canada are proceeding post-haste to approve same-sex blessing rites
with total disregard for the conscience of their own members, for the moratoria
mandated by the official Instruments of the Anglican Communion, and for the broken
state of communion where more than half the world's Anglicans are represented by the
FCA.
The chairman of the FCA, the Most Rev. Eliud Wabukala, Primate of Kenya, opened the
Conference with a keynote address on the identity of confessing Anglicans in the light of
the current crisis, highlighting the fact that "The heart of the crisis we face is not only
institutional, but spiritual." We were also reminded that we are not wrestling against flesh
and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12).
Bible studies from Paul's letter to the Colossians were delivered each morning. The
Conference theme of the supremacy of Christ over all creation, including his church and
our very lives, was powerfully presented to the gathered leaders. In light of the twofold
goals of the FCA, special attention was given in workshops to the nature of the gospel and
the nature of the church. Other workshops addressed major concerns of the GAFCON
movement as articulated in the Jerusalem Declaration: leadership (clause 7), the family
(clause 8), evangelism (clause 9) and economic empowerment (clause 10).
The Conference recognized the gospel as the life-transforming message of salvation from
sin and all its consequences, through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is both a declaration and a summons: announcing what has been done for us in Christ
and calling us to repentance, faith and submission to his lordship. Any compromise of the
gospel is a compromise of the authority of Christ as King.
The second major goal of the Conference had to do with the nature of the church as an
expression and vehicle of the gospel. The Rev. Dr Ashley Null reviewed the history of
Anglican polity over five centuries and concluded:
Effectiveness in mission is the highest historic priority in Anglicanism, for the church
derives its existence, purpose and power from the faithful proclamation of the gospel in
word and sacrament. Because of this divine call, the church has God's assurance of his
abiding presence among his people. Nevertheless, since the church as a human institution
can err, adapting the proclamation of the gospel to a specific culture can all too often lead
to the culture adapting and changing the gospel to its own human idolatries. Therefore, a
global fellowship is necessary to help individual national churches to discern whether a
specific gospel proclamation is adapting to the culture or capitulating to it.
In a plenary address on "Jesus, the Lord of the Church and his Mission," Bishop Michael
Nazir-Ali noted that St Paul presents the church as an exalted communion known to God,
the Jerusalem above (Gal 4:26), and also as an earthly community of believers gathered
together for the preaching of God's Word, the sacraments duly administered, and
effective church discipline (Article XIX; Second Book of Homilies). Applying this pattern to
the current Anglican situation, Bishop Nazir-Ali concluded that the Anglican "Instruments
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FCA Leaders Conference Statement and Commitment
of Unity" have failed dramatically and that the FCA is called to model a biblical way for the
churches of the Anglican Communion to gather and relate to one another so as to carry
out the Great Commission in the coming decades. This way needs to address different
forms of missional leadership, gathering the church with traditional Episcopal leaders as
well as leaders exercising oversight in parochial and non-parochial ministries. The
Primates' Council will have responsibility for planning, directing and driving this agenda.
Conference participants formed networks that will pursue ongoing work in areas vital to
the movement, including:
Episcopal leaders - a forum for bishops to encourage one another, improve
communication and welcome new members, including those not yet a part of the FCA
 pastors - a forum for FCA pastors to provide mutual encouragement and develop
Christian discipleship.
 evangelists - a forum to equip lay evangelists and church planters to proclaim the
gospel, edify the church and serve society
 women in ministry - a forum for women in ministry to share challenges, resources
and prayer
 theological educators - a forum to encourage and train theological educators in
developing biblical patterns of theological education, to resist revisionist intrusions
and to share theological resources
 cross-cultural workers - a forum for cross-cultural workers to share their needs and
to connect people to available resources and networks
 aid and development workers - a forum to promote a biblical theology of
development, which includes economic empowerment and self-sustainability
 lawyers - a forum for lawyers to assist the FCA in the pursuit of its mission and to
offer members counsel in matters of civil and canon law.
It is vitally important for the FCA to activate these networks, as they represent the
outworking of the gospel in the daily lives of millions of believers and their neighbours.
They also represent areas of need where revisionist organizations, both secular and
Anglican, lure orthodox people with offers of aid, invitations to conferences, scholarships
and the like.
Archbishop Wabukala concluded his opening address with these words, echoing Micah
6:8
So what does the Lord require? He has called us to a great prophetic purpose at
this critical point in the life of our Communion. After some 450 years it is becoming
clear that what some have called the 'Anglican experiment' is not ending in failure,
but is on the verge of a new and truly global future in which the original vision of
the Reformers can be realized as never before. We do not need to repudiate or
belittle our history, but learn from it and set ourselves now to walk humbly with
our God into the future and the hope that he has planned for us.
In response, Archbishop Jensen, the FCA General Secretary, challenged participants to
agree on a "statement in the form of a commitment." In affirming this statement, we
commit ourselves to the following:
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FCA Leaders Conference Statement and Commitment







to reaffirm the Jerusalem Declaration and Statement
to commend the Jerusalem Declaration to others as the basis for resolving the
spiritual crisis
currently besetting the Anglican Communion
to invite Anglicans around the world to join FCA in order to serve Christ and his
mission
to promote and fund the networks in their various aims to strengthen the Church
to create a network for ministry among young people
to pray for the work and ministry of FCA and for each other.
At the conclusion of the Leaders Conference, it was announced that a second Anglican
Future Conference will be held in May 2013. This Conference will further the work of the
FCA to renew and reform the Anglican Communion. This leads to a further specific
commitment from leaders and their churches:
 to gather for GAFCON 2 in May 2013
 to obtain funding and resourcing for GAFCON 2.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according
to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21)
St Mark's Church, Battersea Rise
London, UK
27 April 2012
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