Olanipekun made the remark on Wednesday in Ibadan while delivering a valedictory lecture titled, “From the Cross to the Crown: The Travails and Triumphs of Faith,” during activities marking the retirement and 70th birthday celebration of the Bishop of the Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa, and his wife, Mrs Comfort Akinfenwa.

According to the senior lawyer, the Church must continue to endure its trials with faith, courage and conviction.

He described Bishop Akinfenwa, who is retiring after 26 years of service as bishop of the Ibadan Diocese, as an exceptional clergyman whose intellectual depth and humility distinguish him.

Olanipekun also praised the bishop’s wife, describing her as a strong pillar behind the success of his ministry and a devoted supporter of the gospel.

In his lecture, the legal luminary spoke extensively on the burden of faith, the trials of the early Church, the Nicene Creed, and the spiritual significance of perseverance in Christianity.

He also reflected on the evolution of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria, noting that the Church has grown into a global ecclesiastical body with shared doctrines and heritage.

Despite the progress recorded, Olanipekun said the Church in Nigeria is still striving toward becoming a better version of itself.

“As we celebrate Bishop Akinfenwa, we still behold a Church that is negotiating and yearning for its own better self,” he stated.

Speaking on the bishop’s legacy, Olanipekun said Akinfenwa carried the burden of ministry with unwavering faith and dedication.

“He passed through the travails of life and his calling unperturbed through his unalloyed faith in the Lord, and his robe remains clean, without stain,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Justice of the Supreme Court and Chancellor of the Ibadan Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, described the lecture as a call for spiritual and moral rebirth within society.

According to her, Christianity teaches that glory often comes through suffering and perseverance.

“Christianity is the only faith and tradition where suffering is not seen as a tragedy, but as the way to salvation,” she said.

Justice Ogunwumiju also highlighted the achievements of Bishop Akinfenwa during his years of service, including the establishment of new archdeaconries, mission fields, churches, youth programmes, scholarship initiatives and a primary healthcare centre.

She described his stewardship as one marked by courage, commitment and service to humanity.

Responding, the retiring bishop thanked the organisers, family members and well-wishers for honouring him.

Bishop Akinfenwa described the lecture delivered by Olanipekun as spiritually and intellectually enriching, adding that the Christian faith requires dedication, compassion and continuous service to God.

He noted that ministry is not a solitary journey and acknowledged the support of many individuals throughout his 26 years as bishop.

The bishop also expressed appreciation to the people of Ibadan, describing the city as rich in history, faith and resilience.

Bishop Akinfenwa was ordained priest in 1986 in Kaduna, became Bishop of Sokoto in 1998, and was later transferred to the Ibadan Diocese in 2000 before emerging Archbishop of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province in 2003.

Tribune

Aladekugbe made the call while delivering his presidential address at the First Session of the 10th Synod of the Diocese of Ibadan North themed, “Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters.”

According to the Archbishop, active involvement in politics would give Christians the opportunity to promote righteousness, justice and the overall well-being of society.

He stated that while Christians may participate in politics, their ultimate loyalty should remain with Jesus Christ rather than any political party.

Aladekugbe noted that the scriptures encourage believers to support truth, respect constituted authority and participate responsibly in governance while recognising that true hope lies in God and not in human institutions.

He lamented what he described as the low level of political participation among Christians, saying their absence from the political space has not stopped politicians from making decisions that affect their lives.

“The lack of interest by Christians in politics does not stop politicians from deciding taxes, healthcare, safety, education, religious freedom or the future,” he said.

According to him, Christians have allowed religion to limit their political participation.

“Next to God’s power is political power. Political power is people-given, and we have the people. The seven executive members in the ward determine who governs us. As Christians, you must attend ward meetings to influence those who represent us,” he stated.

The Archbishop encouraged Christians to register as members of political parties at the ward level, remain active in the political process and be prepared to take up leadership responsibilities.

Speaking on insecurity, Aladekugbe expressed concern over persistent attacks in parts of the country, revealing that many communities have been deserted due to violence and insecurity.

He urged the Federal Government to take stronger action against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping instead of relying on rhetoric.

“The government should be able to confront terrorism, banditry and kidnapping headlong in order to end the continued shedding of innocent blood in our country,” he said.

While commending the efforts of security agencies, the cleric stressed the need for greater sincerity and commitment from the government in tackling insecurity.

Aladekugbe also praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing him as one of the most people-oriented governors since the return of democracy in 1999.

According to him, Makinde’s policies have positively impacted residents and indigenes of the state because of his willingness to listen to the people and implement policies that address their needs.

The Synod was attended by serving and retired bishops, clergy members, legal practitioners, traditional rulers, church leaders and other invited guests.

Jonathan spoke on Saturday at the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja, held in Abuja.

In his goodwill message, he called for national reflection, spiritual renewal, and responsible leadership in addressing the country’s worsening social and security challenges.

According to him, many Nigerians have become desensitised to bloodshed and destruction, unlike in the past when such incidents triggered widespread outrage and collective grief.

“As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society,” he said.

He noted that violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the erosion of human values have become deeply troubling realities in the country.

“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation. Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life continues as though nothing has happened,” Jonathan said.

He stressed that Nigeria urgently needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values.

The former President also emphasised the role of the Church in shaping society, urging religious leaders to continue speaking truth, defending righteousness, and guiding citizens through faith-based leadership.

Jonathan further warned about the negative influence of modern technology and information systems, saying they have contributed to the spread and glorification of harmful behaviours.

“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society,” he said.

He added that leadership remains critical in moments of national crisis, calling for integrity, courage, and vision in public office, as well as prayers for leaders and collective efforts toward peace and national renewal.

Also speaking at the event, former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Peter Akinola, described the conference as symbolic and strategic, noting that the global Anglican Communion is currently facing what he called a “revisionist agenda.

He made the call during the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja held at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, on Saturday.

His reaction follows the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and two Chinese firms for the rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

The agreement has continued to attract criticism from stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, with concerns over transparency, accountability and Nigeria’s growing dependence on foreign partners.

Speaking at the Synod, The Primate said the Federal Government should instead consider handing the refineries to capable Nigerian investors who would revive the facilities and reinvest profits into the nation’s economy.

According to him, allowing foreign firms to dominate the sector could expose the country to further exploitation.

“The recent handover of the national refineries to China must be reconsidered so that some are given to competent Nigerians who will plow back their gains into Nigeria,” he said.

The Anglican Primate acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu inherited serious economic challenges but noted that some reforms introduced by the administration were beginning to stabilise key economic indicators.

However, he lamented that many Nigerians were yet to feel the impact of the reforms, citing the rising level of poverty across the country.

“With millions of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, macroeconomic gains have not translated into relief for ordinary citizens,” he stated.

Ndukuba also expressed concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, high lending rates and persistent electricity challenges, warning that the country’s dream of achieving a $1 trillion economy may remain difficult without stable power supply.

On the political situation in the country, the cleric accused politicians of focusing more on preparations for the 2027 elections instead of governance and citizens’ welfare.

He further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and ensure credible elections in 2027.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who also spoke at the event, decried the increasing level of moral decline and violence in society.

Jonathan said Nigeria would overcome its current challenges with committed leadership and collective effort, adding that national development requires discipline and consistency over time.

By Raphael A. Aderinwale and Korede Akintunde
in ABUJA, Nigeria — Saturday, 16 May 2026

The Diocese of Abuja, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has opened the First Session of its Thirteenth Synod with a call on the whole people of God to rediscover their identity as a royal priesthood and take their place in the mission of the Church and the transformation of society.

The Synod, holding at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, from Thursday, 14 to Sunday, 17 May 2026, has its theme: “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” drawn from 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9–10.

The Presidential Address, also known as the Bishop’s Charge, was delivered by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, and Bishop of Abuja, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Dr Henry C. Ndukuba.

In his address, Primate Ndukuba called the Church to recover the biblical meaning of the priesthood of all believers, stressing that ministry belongs to the whole people of God and not the clergy alone. He reminded Christians that their priestly identity is “not titles to be claimed but a calling to be fulfilled.”

He urged the Church to move beyond titles and offices to become a functional body where every believer is equipped to serve God in the Church, the family, the workplace and society.

Speaking on the state of the nation, the Primate called for moral and national rebirth, noting that Nigeria’s challenges require sincerity, justice, accountability and the fear of God.

He expressed concern over hardship, unemployment, insecurity, corruption, drug abuse, cultism and moral decline, urging the Church, government, families and communities to work together for national restoration.

The Synod was graced by distinguished national and ecclesiastical leaders, reflecting the significance of the Diocese of Abuja in the life of the Church and the nation.

Among those present were former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by Senator Ireti Kingibe, former Archbishop of Bendel Province, The Most Rev. Friday Imeakhia, Archbishop Emeritus of Lokoja Province, The Most Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Egbunu, Archbishop of Kaduna Province, The Most Rev’d Dr. Timothy Yahaya, Archbishop of Enugu Province, The Most Rev’s Sosthenes Eze. Also present were over twenty bishops and other revered Fathers of the Church, senior clergy, diocesan officials, delegates, captain of industries, politicians and special guests.

Goodwill messages were received from dignitaries present at the Synod, including former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former Primate, The Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh, both of whom spoke warmly of the Diocese and its leadership, state of the nation and church.

A major highlight of the goodwill messages was that of former Primate, The Most Rev’d Peter Jasper Akinola, which was delivered by Venerable Titi Ogbonyomi, who commended Primate Ndukuba for the successful hosting of GAFCON G26 in March and for his courageous defence of biblical orthodoxy in the face of revisionist pressures within and outside of the Anglican Communion.

A notable moment during the Synod was the preferment of some clergy in recognition of their service to God and the Church. The Rev’d Thomas Marcus, The Rev’d Victor Musa and The Rev’d Nathan Haruna were preferred as Honorary Canons, while Canon Kosygin Ezeugbor was preferred as Venerable.

Primate Ndukuba expressed warm appreciation to the Vicar, the Parochial Church Council and the entire membership of St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, for their sacrifice, generosity and wholehearted commitment in hosting the Diocesan Synod.

He prayed that the Synod would refresh, empower and reposition the Diocese of Abuja for greater mission, ministry and service to God and humanity.

The Synod continues with worship, Bible teaching, deliberations and the consideration of matters affecting the mission, growth and administration of the Diocese.

The appeal formed part of resolutions reached during the second session of the 36th Synod of the Diocese, presided over by the Diocesan Bishop, Ifedola Gabriel Okupevi, at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The four-day Synod, themed “The Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology) and the Doctrine of End Time (Eschatology), Their Relevance and Our Responses to Them Today,” expressed concern over worsening insecurity in Nigeria, including kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, herder-farmer clashes, and attacks on communities.

The church urged both federal and state governments to strengthen the capacity, integrity, and coordination of security agencies while addressing the root causes of violence and unrest.

The Synod also lamented the persistent challenges in the power sector, noting the continued failure to provide stable and affordable electricity. It further expressed concern over rising poverty and unemployment, especially among young Nigerians.

Speaking at the gathering, Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the Diocese of Lagos as a strong instrument of nation-building and commended the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Henry Ndukuba, for his leadership.

Meanwhile, the Methodist Church Nigeria in Ebonyi State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and political leaders to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

The church warned against electoral malpractice, rigging, and manipulation, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive through transparent electoral processes.

The call was made during the 32nd Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Abakaliki, held at Wesley Urban Methodist Church, Onwe Road, Abakaliki.

In an 11-point communiqué jointly signed by Chikwendu Ogan Igwe and Sunday Onwe, the church encouraged Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate actively in elections, and vote for credible leaders.

The church also commended Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for implementing developmental projects under the People’s Charter of Needs agenda.

Additionally, ministers of the gospel were urged to remain committed to preaching sound doctrine and avoid actions capable of tarnishing the image of the church.

The Guardian

Speaking in his Easter message, delivered at a service broadcast live on UBC TV, NBS TV, Church of Uganda Family TV, and Namirembe FM, Kazimba described the scale of the gathering. “The conference, hosted by the Anglican Church of Nigeria, brought together 347 Anglican bishops and 121 clergy and lay leaders from 27 provinces across the Global Anglican Movement,” he said. His own delegation comprised 41 bishops, six clergy, and five laity.

The G26 gathering, held March 3-6 in Abuja, was a specialised bishops conference — not a full GAFCON Assembly. GAFCON’s own communications in May 2025 described it as a “specialised conference” distinct from its five-yearly assemblies, noting that the next full assembly, GAFCON V, is scheduled for Athens in 2028. The March gathering was convened by Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of Rwanda, then Chairman of the GAFCON Primates Council, who in December 2025 announced that invitations had been sent to 500 delegates across the global Anglican family.

Archbishop Kaziimba’s figures correspond exactly to those in the Abuja Affirmation, the communique issued on March 6 and signed by Archbishop Mbanda as Chairman of the newly constituted Global Anglican Council. The Affirmation opens: “Greetings from Abuja, Nigeria where 347 Anglican bishops and 121 lay and clerical Anglican leaders from 27 provinces met from 3-6 March 2026, generously hosted by our brothers and sisters in the Church of Nigeria.”

Kazimba described the principal institutional outcome of the conference. “The GAFCON Primates Council was transitioned into the newly established Global Anglican Council, which will bring together primates, advisors, and guarantors to provide the oversight and the recognition of provinces and dioceses within the emerging Global Anglican Communion,” he said. He named the new Council’s officers: Archbishop Mbanda of Rwanda as chair, Archbishop Miguel Uchoa of Brazil as deputy chair, and Bishop Paul Donison as General Secretary. Donison’s March 5 communique, issued the day before the Abuja Affirmation, confirmed those appointments and stated that the terms of all three “will conclude at the end of GAFCON V in Athens in 2028.”

The Abuja Affirmation sets out the basis and mandate of the new body. The Council “will acknowledge and welcome existing provinces and dioceses who desire to participate in the Global Anglican Communion, and will be responsible for inviting new Primates to a seat on the Council” as well as authenticating “newly formed provinces and dioceses who seek recognition as Global Anglicans.” Membership of the Council consists of three categories of voting member: primates, advisors, and guarantors.

The Affirmation’s section on “Principled Disengagement” states that leaders holding office in the Global Anglican Council must not attend future Primates’ Meetings called by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lambeth Conference, or Anglican Consultative Council meetings, and that office holders who “continue to participate in any Canterbury Instruments will not be able to continue in this role.”

Archbishop Kaziimba connected the conference’s work directly to the Easter season. “The fellowship, which began within the Holy Communion service, continues to play a significant role in shaping what many have described as reordering of the Anglican Global Structures,” he said. He placed the gathering within a wider account of conflict and Christian witness. “I want to invite you to pray for the Middle East,” he told his congregation. “The situation is not good. It can affect all of us.” He connected the regional war to its effects closer to home: “I understand now the prices of gas has gone up. Even where I come from, from Rubukonjo, the banana prices have gone up. And I ask, ‘Why?’ They say because of the war in Middle East. So, all of us are equally affected.”

Following the Abuja conference, Archbishop Kaziimba travelled to Cairo on March 7 to attend the Global Council meeting of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund, where he serves as a trustee. He noted the Fund’s work in Uganda, including emergency response at the Nakivale refugee settlement, support to Sebei diocese for a medical facility, and a commitment to fund the Mama Margaret Kazimba Health Facility in Mityana-Mukono diocese, with the first phase expected to be commissioned later this year.

The Easter message was delivered to the Church of Uganda’s annual Easter gathering and broadcast across multiple Ugandan national television and radio networks.

Anglican Ink
George Conger

Seoul Cathedral first opened its doors in Jeong-dong, Seoul, on May 2, 1926. The Romanesque-style cathedral was designed by British architect Arthur Dixon. “The first consecration service was held in the darkness of Japanese colonial rule, prayers continued amid the gunfire of the Korean War, and the cathedral has witnessed God’s presence through the turbulent periods of industrialization and democratization,” the Anglican Church of Korea said of the cathedral’s history.

The Thanksgiving Eucharist on May 3 will begin with 100 bell tolls honoring the past century. The ceremony will proceed with a ritual opening of the cathedral doors as on the first day of consecration, followed by a procession in which believers of all generations enter the cathedral step by step. The service will be concelebrated by successive bishops of the Seoul Diocese. At the commemorative ceremony held the same day, a newly crafted commemorative cross—based on the crosses distributed to believers at the cathedral’s consecration 100 years ago—will be presented to congregants as a symbol of the centennial.

“The 100th anniversary Thanksgiving Eucharist is not simply an occasion to celebrate a long history,” said Father Park Sung-soon, the cathedral’s chief priest. “It is a moment to stand in gratitude before the history of grace that God has accomplished through this cathedral, while also responding to the call of a new century.”

The Thanksgiving Eucharist and commemorative ceremony are open to all, regardless of religious affiliation.

Seoul Economic Daily

Anglican Ink

Lee Jae-yong

In an exclusive statement to Anglican.Ink, Bishop Bell said the move confirms that hopes for a return to what he described as the clear teaching of Scripture have not been realized, and that a new wave of clergy and laity is now likely to leave.

The Church in Wales is about to lose another tranche of clergy, lay leaders and church members after its decision to make permanent a service of blessing for same-sex couples. Many left at the beginning of the experimental period of provision in 2021 whilst others have been waiting to see if the passage of five years would be sufficient to bring the church back to the clear teachings of Scripture on the subject of human relationships. Clearly not.

Archdeacon Andy Grimwood warned the Governing Body of the Church in Wales quite prophetically that pain lay ahead if they ignored the views of orthodox members both in Wales and the Global Anglican Communion. Regrettably, they deliberately and dismissively voted against the Bible.

What makes it hardest of all to bear is that it doesn’t have to be like this, although at least the Anglican Convocation Europe is here to welcome all those who can no longer bear the direction of travel of the Church in Wales.

Stuart Bell, Assistant Bishop in the Anglican Convocation Europe  

The Governing Body’s decision formalizes a provision first introduced on an experimental basis in 2021. While some left at that time, others remained in the Church in Wales in the expectation that the measure might not be made permanent.

Warnings about the consequences of such a move were raised during the debate. Archdeacon Andy Grimwood told members that proceeding without regard for orthodox Anglicans in Wales and across the wider Communion would lead to division. Bishop Bell’s statement indicates that those concerns are now being realized.

The Anglican Convocation Europe (ACE), with which Bishop Bell is associated, has signaled that it is prepared to receive clergy and congregations seeking alternative oversight. His remarks present ACE as an option for those who conclude they cannot remain under the Church in Wales’ current direction.

The vote places the Church in Wales alongside other Anglican provinces that have authorized blessings for same-sex couples, a development that continues to deepen divisions within the Anglican Communion, particularly among provinces that maintain traditional teaching on marriage.

Further departures and realignments are expected in the months ahead.

George Conger

Anglican Ink

Preaching on Sunday, 19 April 2026, at the installation of the Rev Canon Michael Mukhwana as Archdeacon of St John’s, Makerere University, Archbishop Kaziimba addressed comparisons with Luwum directly. “Some people have approached me saying, ‘Why don’t you do like Janani Luwum?’” he said. “The man did a great job—the man who was killed. Do you think I can make an impact by being killed? … Don’t I have a family? Why don’t you be sensitive?”

“I have a life to live,” he continued. “I’m not your saviour to carry all your problems. You take them to the Cross. I do my part and leave it to God.”

The Archbishop framed his approach in biblical terms, contrasting what he described as the “Nathan approach” with the public witness of John the Baptist. Referring to 2 Samuel 12, he said the prophet Nathan’s private confrontation of King David achieved repentance, whereas John the Baptist’s public rebuke of Herod led to his execution. “You can do God’s work by approaching power with love, quietly,” he said. “Not every time that we use one approach.”

His remarks come amid renewed debate in Uganda over the role of religious leaders in public life following the January 2026 general election, in which President Yoweri Museveni secured another term. Opposition figures and civil society actors have alleged ongoing human rights abuses, including abductions, unlawful detention, and restrictions on civil liberties. In recent days, the late Kalangala Woman MP Helen Nakimuli—who died on 19 April—had called on clergy to “speak truth to power,” a comment widely circulated on social media.Reaction to Archbishop Kaziimba’s sermon has been mixed. Some commentators have criticised what they view as caution or silence, while others have defended a strategy of engagement that avoids public confrontation.

The legacy of Archbishop Janani Luwum continues to shape these expectations. Luwum, who served from 1974 to 1977, was arrested after protesting against killings and abuses under Idi Amin’s regime and was murdered on 16 February 1977, in what was officially described as a car accident but is widely regarded as an assassination. He is commemorated as a martyr across the Anglican Communion, with a statue at Westminster Abbey and an annual public holiday in Uganda. The Church of Uganda marked the 49th anniversary of his death in February 2026.

Archbishop Kaziimba has, at various points, spoken against violence and so-called “drone abductions,” and in his role as chair of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda has called for peace, dialogue, and restraint during electoral periods. His comments at Makerere indicate a continued preference for what he presents as pastoral and strategic engagement rather than public denunciation.

Elected in 2019 and enthroned in March 2020, Archbishop Kaziimba is the ninth primate of the Church of Uganda. A former Bishop of Mityana, he is associated with a conservative theological outlook and an emphasis on evangelism, biblical teaching, and provincial self-reliance. Under his leadership, the Church of Uganda—one of the largest provinces in the Anglican Communion—continues to navigate the demands of public witness in a politically sensitive context.

The question of how the Church should speak in moments of national tension remains unsettled. Archbishop Kaziimba’s remarks suggest a deliberate choice of method rather than a withdrawal from engagement, even as debate continues within Uganda and across the wider Communion.

George Conger

Anglican Ink