Bishops and their wives in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, have undergone training on establishing response mechanisms to prevent and address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in their respective dioceses.
The capacity-building session took place on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, where the Church of Nigeria’s Standing Committee Meeting is being held.
Equipping Church Leaders for Action
The training, organized by the Anglican Compassion and Development Initiatives (ACADI)—a faith-based organization dedicated to addressing social issues within families, the Church, and society—equipped 25 bishops and their wives with the necessary skills to implement the Church of Nigeria Transformational Response to Gender-Based Violence Project.
These participants represent the second-year batch of dioceses engaged in the 47-diocese project, aimed at ensuring that Church leaders, as key influencers, are well-prepared to drive the initiative’s success.
Speaking at the event, ACADI National Coordinator, Mrs. Abiodun Ipinmoye, outlined the objectives of the training, emphasizing the Church’s increasing role in addressing gender-based issues:
“We recognize that GBV interventions already exist within our churches. Now, more than ever, the Church is actively tackling issues affecting women and gender equality through Biblical teachings, advocacy against harmful practices, support for survivors, and the provision of safe shelters.”
She commended the bishops and their wives for their commitment, noting that their influence will help shift social norms and behaviors that contribute to Gender-Based Violence.
Key Roles for Bishops and Their Wives
During a media briefing, ACADI Program Coordinator, Mr. Chibuike Iroegbu, outlined the responsibilities of bishops and their wives in preventing GBV, including:
- Appointing capable leaders (Desk Officers and Senior Clergy) to oversee the GBV response program in their dioceses.
- Providing oversight to ensure the effectiveness of GBV interventions.
- Integrating GBV awareness into sermons, religious teachings, and counseling sessions to educate congregants on their rights and reporting mechanisms.
- Establishing diocesan policies to formally address and combat Gender-Based Violence.
Integrating GBV Awareness into Theological Training
The training also included workshop sessions for heads of theological colleges, focusing on incorporating GBV prevention into seminary curriculums. This initiative aims to ensure that all future priests are equipped with the knowledge and tools to actively prevent GBV within their ministries.
A Call to Action
Facilitators, Venerable Dr. Olayemi Fatusi and Prof. Chinedu Babalola, expressed appreciation for the participants’ commitment, emphasizing the crucial role of Church Fathers and Mothers as champions in the fight against Gender-Based Violence.
“With your leadership and influence, we can eradicate GBV from the Church and society,” they stated.
This marks the second year of the training initiative, with the first year focused on Archbishops and their wives. The program continues its mission of equipping church leaders to drive meaningful societal transformation.
