By Korede AKINTUNDE | Editor-in-Chief, ACNN TV
ABUJA, October 20, 2026 — The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has called on its clergy, laity and the general public to remain calm and respect ongoing ecclesiastical and judicial proceedings concerning the Diocese of Awka.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday by the director of communications, Ven. Raphael Aderinwale, the Church urged all concerned to exercise restraint, avoid speculation and allow the appropriate authorities to address the issues through established ecclesiastical and judicial channels.
The statement follows recent public comments and court proceedings relating to decisions taken by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev. Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, in the exercise of his ecclesiastical responsibilities.
According to the Church, the decisions under consideration followed a period of enquiry into issues relating to ecclesiastical authority, accountability and compliance with established Church procedures. It also stated that efforts had been made to resolve the disagreements through dialogue and conciliatory engagement.
The Church, through its General Secretary, the Ven. Dr Festus Opara, emphasised that maintaining peace must go hand in hand with accountability, justice and adherence to due process.
It stressed that reconciliation remains a fundamental Christian obligation but must be pursued within the framework of the Church’s Constitution, Canons and established procedures.
Citing 1 Corinthians 14:40, which states, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” the Church reaffirmed the importance of order and accountability in ecclesiastical governance.
It further maintained that all officers and institutions of the Church operate within the provisions of its governing Constitution and Canons, adding that the issues currently before the relevant authorities should be addressed with fairness, impartiality and respect for the rule of law.
The Church also appealed to Anglican faithful across the country to remain prayerful and united, warning against the spread of unverified information and inflammatory public exchanges.
Members of the public and the media were similarly urged to exercise responsible judgement, verify information before publication and respect the integrity of the ongoing proceedings.
Reaffirming its commitment to Christian discipline, justice, accountability and reconciliation, the Church expressed confidence that an orderly resolution in accordance with its governing provisions and the rule of law would best serve the interests of all concerned.
The Church concluded by calling on all parties to conduct themselves with dignity, patience and mutual respect while the relevant processes continue.
ACNN TV
