The 3-day Episcopal Retreat, which had the theme, “The reign of God in challenging times”, featured Communion services, Bible study on the topic, “The reign of God in challenging times”, talk on “The goal of our episcopal calling- shepherding the flock of Christ” and seminars on different topical issues pertaining to the church.
The retreat which was presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba was called to re-energize bishops in the communion towards the new focus of the church under the new leadership.
“Any life worth living and any ministry that is worth exercising demands that self-evaluation is essential.” This was the submission of the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba while he delivered his welcome address at the Episcopal Retreat held at St. Matthias House, National Secretariat, Gudu district, Abuja.
Primate Ndukuba remarked that Christians, especially church leaders, should constantly examine themselves to determine whether they are in line with the will of God, to avoid labouring in vain. He said the position they occupy as church leaders calls for enormous accountability, and therefore, they are expected to present themselves and God’s people, holy and blameless.
He lamented that people have turned against God, and governments have begun to formulate policies that are anti-Christ and against the Word of God. Thus, he called on Christians to live out the kingdom life and have the kingdom mindset to pursue, overtake and recover all the souls and resources that God has given them.
According to him, “The beggarly mentality must be done away with as we stand in faith and the Word of God to declare and pray that God our Father, will have His way, His will be done among us as it is in Heaven.”
He said, “The idols that occupy the place of God must be cast down and out; Jesus Christ must be Lord and Saviour of our lives, His Church and His world.”
The Primate reiterated that the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that the world belongs to God and that He alone controls all that happens, and therefore, it is blasphemy for people to act and behave as though the Church belongs to them.
He stated that the Church of Nigeria must play her role in bringing the world to the obedience of Jesus Christ and world mission; adding that mission, evangelism and discipleship would remain core to the ministry of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). He asserted that the unity of the Church is of paramount importance for the existence of the Anglican Church and so, the church would not sacrifice any soul, congregation or Diocese because of the interest of any Bishop, Clergy, Laity or group.
The Episcopal Retreat, which had the theme, “The reign of God in challenging times”, featured Communion services, Bible study on the topic, “The reign of God in challenging times”, talk on “The goal of our episcopal calling- shepherding the flock of Christ” and seminars on different topical issues pertaining to the church.
The 3-day retreat was rounded off with the election of four new Bishops;
Ven. Dr Peter Oludipe for Ijebu Diocese,
Ven. Adegoke Oludare Agara for Idoani Diocese,
Ven. Enoch Atuboyedia for Okirika Diocese, and
Ven. Gabriel Elabor for Esan Diocese.
The Bishop of Mbamili Diocese, the Rt. Rev’d Henry Okeke is to translate to the Diocese of Ideato,
while the Rt. Rev’d David Onuoha, Bishop of Okigwe South Diocese was elected as the Archbishop-elect of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri. They are to replace the Most Rev’d Dr Caleb Maduoma, as Bishop of Ideato and Archbishop of Owerri Province respectively.
