A demonstration of global Anglican unity took place on Sunday, August 24, 2025, as key leaders of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) came together to rededicate Christ Anglican Church of New Jersey (Igbo Anglican Church of New Jersey Inc.).
In a statement posted by Church of Nigeria North American Mission Knight’s Chaplain, The Venerable David Chimezie Nwanekpe, on his Facebook, he stated that the event underscored a growing and vibrant mission partnership rooted in shared orthodox beliefs and a commitment to evangelism. The dedication gathered faithful bore witness not only to the renewal of a parish but also to the strengthening of global Anglican mission partnership.
He articulated the central theme of the gathering, stating that “Today’s celebration is not about personalities or structures but about mission.”
David emphasized that the rededicated Christ Anglican Church serves as a powerful symbol that the Church’s primary purpose is to glorify God, proclaim the Gospel, and make disciples for the Kingdom.
The Most Rev. Stephen Wood, Primate of ACNA, The Most Rev’d Dr. Buba Lamido, Former Dean of CoN and the Rt. Rev. Kenneth Ross, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Rocky Mountains, co-officiated the service, making the moment more significant for the audience.
“Their gracious presence and leadership demonstrated a shared commitment to nurture, empower, and extend the Gospel mission in this land”.
Nwanekpe noted that the Anglican Church in North America and the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) are united by a covenantal bond of mission partnership. This partnership is rooted not in mere ecclesiastical diplomacy but in the great command of Christ to make disciples of all nations.
Under the leadership of Primate, the Most Rev. Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, the Church of Nigeria has been instrumental in supporting and establishing vibrant congregations in the United States, particularly among its immigrant communities.
The CONNAM knight’s chaplain also extended his profound appreciation to the Primates and the bishop.
The Most Rev’d. Stephen Wood, who was elected Primate of ACNA in June 2024, was praised for his courage and missional spirit, which resonates with the ethos of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) movement.
Similarly, the Rt. Rev. Kenneth Ross, whose diocese spans far beyond the Rocky Mountains to include churches in several states, was commended for his pastoral care and unwavering commitment to nurturing cross-cultural bonds and serving diaspora Anglicans.
Their joint presence was seen as a powerful sign of the ongoing journey toward Anglican unity for the sake of mission.
The Church of Nigeria’s Primate, the Most Rev. Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, was also honored for his fatherly wisdom in encouraging Nigerian clergy to serve in the diaspora.
His commitment has provided crucial legitimacy and inspiration for mission work in North America, allowing many Nigerian-American Anglicans to labor with confidence and bear faithful witness to Christ.
The Anglican Church in North America, with its mission to restore orthodox Anglican faith and vitality, has welcomed this support with open arms, seeing it as a providential act of God for the growth of His kingdom in a challenging cultural landscape.
Attendees expressed profound gratitude for the leadership of the visiting prelates and the wider vision that brought them together.
Among those who attended the service is the Venerable Chukwuma Ubadinobi, the Rector of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Texas, under the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion who also pastored the Church for three years, encouraged the congregation to support the mission through unity and dedication to the gospel of Christ.
The event reaffirmed that the unity between ACNA and the Church of Nigeria is not a matter of political convenience but a spiritual imperative, an act of obedience to the Lord of the Harvest.
The partnership echoes the words of St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:9: “We are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
By Diane Ocheikwu
Edited by Korede Akintunde
