PASTORAL LETTER TO THE CHURCHES WITHIN THE DIOCESE OF ABUJA
ISSUED AT THE THIRD SESSION OF THE TWELFTH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF ABUJA, CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
HELD AT ST. PHILLIP’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, TEAM 6, GWARINPA, ABUJA
FROM THURSDAY, 29TH OF MAY TO SUNDAY, 1ST OF JUNE, 2025
To all Anglican faithful,
My dear People of God, in the Diocese of Abuja, Clergy and Laity,
Grace and peace be multiplied to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We, The Most Revd. Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, by God’s providence, the Lord Bishop of Abuja and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), presided over the Third Session of the Twelfth Synod of our Diocese held from Thursday, 29th May to Sunday, 1st June, 2025 at St. Phillip’s Anglican Church, Team 6, Gwarinpa, Abuja.
A total of 364 Synod delegates comprising the House of Bishops – 1, the House of Clergy – 74, and the House of Laity – 289, from the nine Archdeaconries, five Deaneries, and six new Mission Parish Areas of the Diocese of Abuja, participated. In attendance was the former Primate, The Most Revd. Dr. Nicholas D. Okoh, and other Archbishops and Bishops from various Dioceses of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) who came to felicitate with the Diocese of Abuja.
Following extensive deliberations on the Synod theme, “Serve the Lord: The Imperative for the Family Under God,” taken from Joshua 24:14-15, we write to express our heartfelt gratitude to God for His grace and guidance throughout our discussions. We are especially thankful for the active and prayerful participation of both the Clergy and Laity in seeking God’s will for our families, Diocese, and nation.
Beloved, the theme of this Synod resonates with us in our time—an era where biblical and ethical foundations that hold families together have eroded. As a result, families are under spiritual assault, societal and moral values are rapidly eroding, and godlessness is on the rise.
Amid this decline, God is calling us back to our primary responsibility: a call to serve Him faithfully, beginning from our homes. Joshua’s declaration remains bold and instructive: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” He did not speak for himself alone but declared his entire household’s commitment to the Lord. This affirms that true service to God must begin with the family.
The family is the nucleus of society; as such, a family under God is the foundation of both the Church and the nation. When families serve the Lord in sincerity and truth, the Church is strengthened, society is preserved, and the next generation is discipled in righteousness.
It is therefore a categorical imperative for fathers, mothers, and children alike to respond to the divine call to worship, live in obedience, and serve the Lord wholeheartedly.
Serving the Lord is not optional or a mere suggestion—it is an imperative. It requires intentional discipleship that builds strong leadership in the home through daily devotion and a lifestyle that reflects the character of Christ. Let every Christian household rise as a beacon of righteousness in this generation, boldly declaring: “We will serve the Lord!”
In the face of national insecurity, corruption, and moral decay, the Church must shine as the light of the world, for a nation is only as strong as its families. When families are grounded in godly service, transformation begins—communities are healed, and nations are renewed. Let every Anglican home become a discipleship center and a sanctuary of purposeful service unto God.
The family under God is not just a social construct—it is a covenantal institution designed to reflect God’s glory. It is in the family that children first learn to pray, to obey, and to know the Lord. Today, in Nigeria, where families face spiritual, economic, and cultural pressures, we must return to the foundation of God’s Word and rebuild our homes accordingly.
In other words, husbands and fathers must rise as spiritual leaders and priests in their homes; wives and mothers must cultivate godliness and nurture the next generation with faith and wisdom; and children must be taught to honor God and walk in His ways.
Serving the Lord must go beyond Sunday worship—it must become the daily lifestyle of every Christian family. Whether in prayer, giving, hospitality, community engagement, or raising children in the fear of the Lord, our homes must radiate the light of Christ.
Every family should be a “church in miniature,” actively participating in God’s mission in the world.
Therefore, the family and the Church must collaborate to promote ethical and moral values, ensure proper training and upbringing of our children, as well as renew commitment to quiet time and family devotion.
The Church of Nigeria Daily Fountain and Youth Daily Dynamite remain a veritable devotional guide for our spiritual growth to strengthen our personal and family altar.
Similarly, we must endeavour to attend weekly activities of the Church, become active in groups and service arms, as well as encourage our children to join relevant youth fellowships and groups. While these groups complement family effort in nurturing the home, we encourage Churches to strengthen House Fellowship in and around our respective parishes.
The Church has a crucial role to play in advocating for peace and security. We must stand united against violence and injustice, promoting dialogue and reconciliation within our parishes and the society at large.
We express our sincere gratitude to the Clergy and parishioners for their unwavering dedication and enthusiastic participation in all our Diocesan activities. These include the Carnival for Christ, Way of the Cross, Easter Cantata, the Mission Week activities, commemoration of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther’s Day, DIVCCON, and the Joshua Generation International Youth Conference (JGIYC). Despite the challenges posed by insecurity, economic downturn, and other issues, your support and contributions have been remarkable.
Beloved brethren, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your selfless generosity towards the completion of projects within the Diocese. Especially your immense support towards the 35th Anniversary, where landmark projects of the Diocese were completed and dedicated, such as:
- The Bethrapha Medical Centre Ltd.
- All Saints Guest House
- The Greater Chapter of the Cathedral Church of the Advent
- Diocesan Skill Acquisition Centre, Kuje
- Churches and Vicarages (commissioned and dedicated respectively)
We acknowledge difficulties caused by recent economic policies leading to a hike in electricity tariffs, foodstuff, and other challenges, and encourage churches to prioritize the welfare of members at the parish level.
As we move beyond the Synod, it is essential that we do not let the flame ignited within us during this assembly fade. We should continue to fortify our personal relationship with Christ through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments. We must remain attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we endeavor to implement the conclusions and recommendations from the Synod.
Genesis 18:19
“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”
Signed
The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, MA, BD, MA(Ed), DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
Bishop of the Diocese of Abuja
