Communiqué issued at the end of the 2nd session of the 12th synod of the Anglican Diocese of Minna
held from Friday, 2nd May to Sunday, 4th May 2025 at St. Barnabas Church, Madalla
Theme: “Assimilation and separation: two extremes that the church wrestles with globally”
The second session of the 12th synod of the Anglican Diocese of Minna, under the ecclesiastical province of Lokoja, was held at St. Barnabas Church, Madalla, from Friday, May 2nd to Sunday, May 4th, 2025. The synod opened with a solemn holy communion service presided over by the Bishop of Minna Diocese and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lokoja, Most Reverend Daniel Abubakar Yisa, with assistance from the Madalla Archdeaconry.
The guest preacher, Venerable Kenneth Ikhide from the Diocese of Gwagwalada, delivered sermons throughout the three-day programme. He deeply explored the synod’s theme, emphasizing the church’s global struggle to balance cultural assimilation and spiritual separation. While assimilation can enhance evangelism and relevance, he cautioned against compromising core gospel values. Conversely, excessive separation may isolate the church from the society it is meant to transform. He clarified that separation, in its biblical sense, implies turning from sin—not from people.
Following the service, Archbishop Daniel Abubakar Yisa delivered his presidential address, reflecting on the theme. He underscored the church’s challenge to remain in the world without being of it, urging believers to live faithfully, exercise discernment, and rely on God’s guidance to navigate the tension between engagement and holiness.
Goodwill messages were received from several dignitaries, including the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, former Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Buba Lamido, Rt. Rev. Uriah Kolo (Bishop of Doko), Rt. Rev. Jezreel Vandeh (Bishop of Zaki Biam), Mama M. F. Tswanya, and Engineer C. D. Arah from Damaturu, now residing in Abuja.
Synod’s observations and recommendations
1. The church and Christian life
Observations:
- The church faces a persistent tension between cultural assimilation and biblical separation.
- Some believers excessively conform to secular norms, while others isolate themselves from society, thus losing their witness.
- A lack of theological clarity has resulted in division and weakened the church’s testimony.
Recommendations:
- Church leaders must offer clear, scripturally grounded teaching to guide Christians in establishing healthy boundaries.
- Believers are urged to serve their communities as “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13–16), without compromising their values.
- The church should promote unity amid cultural diversity, ensuring that all expressions align with the word of God.
2. International concerns
The synod expressed heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis, offering prayers for peace and wisdom as a new pope is elected. The synod reaffirmed shared Christian values of compassion, service, and unity across denominations.
3. The state of the nation
Concerns raised:
- Widespread corruption continues to erode public trust and entrench poverty.
- Insecurity from terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings has devastated families and local economies.
Recommendations:
- All citizens and especially leaders must embrace accountability, while the church should champion transparency and justice.
- Government must bolster security through community-based initiatives and equitable resource allocation.
- Policies should promote unity, dialogue, and inclusive development to mend political and ethnic fractures.
4. Niger State
Commendation:
The synod praised the Niger State government for its investment in infrastructure—roads, education, healthcare, agriculture, and airport development. It also acknowledged strides in curbing street gangsterism and illegal mining.
Advice:
The government was urged to match physical development with social welfare initiatives to ensure balanced and inclusive growth.
Conclusion
The synod called on Christians to remain rooted in their spiritual identity while engaging the world with compassion, wisdom, and truth. Leaders at all levels were urged to pursue justice, peace, and national development. The Anglican Diocese of Minna reaffirmed its commitment to being a transformative force in society, guided by the enduring truth of scripture.
