He noted that expanding the CoN in North America was never the vision of former Primate of CoN, Archbishop Peter Akinola and he has now reached the point where his faith and conscience are at serious variance with the independent vision and mission of CoN in North America.

Bishop Orji also stated “I’m no longer able to be part of a mission that violates my conscience and understanding of Godly Christian ministry and mission in North America” in a letter to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria dated October 23rd, 2022.

Below is the full statement:

As you can see in this letter, Archbishop Peter Akinola said, “..we have no desire to cling to it(CANA). CANA is for the Communion and we are more than happy to surrender it to the Communion once the conditions that prompted our division have been overturned.” When we met in Houston last year he reminded me of this letter and this statement as the basis to work within ACNA. The “condition that prompted” the creation of CANA by CoN was the blessing of same-sex unions and consecration of gay bishops.

This condition has been “overturned” by the creation of ACNA in North America. None of us who knew TEC and ACoC entertained the false notion that they will repent- they were not going to repent. That is why we know that reference was to the creation of an orthodox Anglican body here in North America. Bishop Minns said that several times and has spoken to me twice yesterday confirming that the CoN made a promise to relinquish its mission to a new orthodox Anglican body when it emerges. Ven Dr Gbenga Olajide confirms it as well. I won’t say too much anymore about this. It is up to each of us to believe the truth or to deceive ourselves. But let it be said that the three Missionary Bishops of CANA/CONNAM(Bishop Minns, Bishop Dobbs, and Bishop Orji) have said the same thing. We cannot all be lying. We all got this understanding from the same source and we all got into trouble for reminding the CoN of this promise made on its behalf by her former Primate.

Read Also: Church of Nigeria Suspends Bishop Felix Orji as He Abandons CONNAM For ACNA

Even if CoN made no promise to ACNA, the fact still remains that GAFCON of which CoN is a founding member recognizes North America as the geographical province of ACNA and we should not be doing ministry/mission independent of them as Anglican tradition stipulates. We should not do things simply because we want to do so and because we don’t want to be under “white people” or the cheap blackmail that “ACNA will/might bless same-sex unions in the future”. Nobody knows in the future or what we ourselves will do in the future. No Anglican province is sinless- I know that because I’ve done ministry in four Anglican provinces. It is a horrible thing to imply of our GAFCON partner.

What I have experienced in the past few days from some clergy and lay people that I have loved and cared for over the past 10 years in this diocese is simply unbelievable. The Lord will help us to rebuild.

I thank all of you who have stood by me and the truth. Each of us will stand before the Lord one day to give account of our words and actions.

I’m praying that the Lord will guide you and protect you to the very end.

May the Lord help us do unto others what we wish done to us.

Peace be with you all.

Bishop Felix Orji, OSB
Anglican Diocese of the West(ACNA)

“The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, and sermons are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose.” C S Lewis

“In reality, holiness is the goal of our redemption. As Christ died in order that we may be justified, so we are justified in order that we may be sanctified and made holy.” Dr J. I. Packer

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.

I write to express my deep gratitude to you for your support, prayers, and partnership in gospel ministry in our Diocese. Thank you for your financial giving and expressions of good-will. Many of you, especially our clergy, sacrificed personal and family time for the growth of this diocese. It has been a blessing and a joy working with you all this past year. May the Lord bless you, in Jesus name. Amen.

The Year 2022 is the beginning of our “Decade of Evangelism & Discipleship”. I invite everyone in our Diocese to join hands together with diligence and determination to make this a priority. As you are all aware our Diocesan mission is to make disciples of all nations for Christ which is a very crucial divine mission. With the exception of divine worship, I believe that leading sinners to Christ so that they are reconciled to God and saved from an eternal Hell takes precedence over every other activity in Christian ministry and our secular occupation and pre-occupation. C S Lewis put it well when said that “The salvation of a single soul is more important than the production or preservation of all the epics and tragedies(Literature) in the world.” This is because in and through the gospel, as Henry Smith noted, God “hides our unrighteousness with his righteousness. He covers our disobedience with his obedience. He shadows our death with his death, so that the wrath of God cannot find us.”

In fact God does more than “cover” and “hide” our sins and disobedience, he washes, forgives, sanctifies, transforms and sends us out to do the good works of holiness of life, helping people in need, and heralding the gospel of Christ.

So as we begin this year 2022, I ask you to take on the challenge of concerted evangelization. As a Diocese I want us to focus our energy on Evangelization this year and for years to come. Do not be daunted by evangelism as many Christians are because as Darrell Johnson reminds us “Evangelism is joining a conversation the Holy Spirit is already having with another person.” We ask Clergy to be intentional in training and equipping every member and parish to “DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST”(2 Timothy 4:5). We ask all clergy, lay leaders, vestries, parishes and Archdeaconries in the Diocese to pay particular attention to active personal and corporate evangelism. This year in obedience to Christ we must “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”(Matthew 28:19-20). God in his mercy will grant us the power and fruitfulness we ask for in this mission.

I wish you a Happy and prosperous new year in your personal life and in the work of spreading the gospel of Christ.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Felix Orji, OSB. D.Min, M.Div, DipCS, M.Ed, BA.Ed, DD, ECCK.
Diocesan Bishop | Anglican Diocese of the West.
Coordinating Bishop of CONNAM.
Holy Trinity Cathedral Church
8402 Howell Sugarland Road
Houston, Texas.
www.adotw.com

It is disappointing in that a Bishop of his stature has left a bad example for struggling souls by going to Roman Catholicism because the Roman Catholic Church has serious theological flaws especially in the areas of Soteriology and Mariology.

Furthermore, this action makes one wonder if the good Bishop was truly committed to the primacy of Scripture in the first place. As Blaise Pascal put it, “The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of.” It is perhaps time for those who say they believe in the Bible to honestly ask themselves if they actually and truly believe in the Bible when it comes to practice.

It is saddening in that conservative Anglicanism is so compromised theologically that good men like Bishop Nazir-Ali feel compelled to leave Anglicanism altogether.

Hopefully, Anglicans who consider themselves biblically-centered need to recommit themselves to the primacy and authority of Scripture in all matters of faith and practice especially in the areas of soteriology, sacramental theology, marriage, human sexuality, ordination of female priests, and consecration of women Bishops.

Sadly there has been wobbliness and inconsistent commitment to biblical teaching on those issues even in conservative Anglican circles that’s led to the exit of good men like Bishop Michael Nasir-Ali to the Roman Church and other denominations. The integrity and future of orthodox Anglicanism are at stake and being legitimately questioned in light of the wobbly and inconsistent commitment to Scripture especially in practice amongst orthodox Anglicans. It is time to repent and return to the Bible, that is, biblical orthodoxy and orthopraxy.

+Bishop Felix Orji

Trinity Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ.
“And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5:4 NLT).

We acknowledge without any iota of doubt that every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning (James 1:17). We give thanks to God for giving us the opportunity to serve in his vineyard as the new servant leader for this great Diocese.

God chooses the imperfect to glorify and perfect his works. We are not competent on our own but with His strength, enablement and grace we can serve him faithfully. To God be the glory for what he has done for us at Anglican Diocese of the Trinity (ADOTT), we thank him for this new call to service.

Special thanks to our heroes past especially our pioneer Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev Amos Fagbamiye, and Mama Abike Fagbamiye. Without them, we cannot be what we are today. They laid the foundation and continue to encourage us. Baba and Mama, we remain eternally grateful to you.

We also thank God for our energetic and unassuming supervisory bishop, Rt. Rev Dr. Felix Orji for his work amongst us for the past 6 months. It has not been an easy road. May the Lord bless and reward you for your labor of love in Jesus’ name.

We thank God for all our Suffragan bishops, clergy brothers, clergy wives, our Diocesan officials and legal team, leadership team, our lay ministers and evangelists, knights, young adult, youth and children, and every member of this diocese. Thank you for your congratulatory messages and prayers. This is our corporate call for 2021 to ‘come and see’ what the Lord has done, doing, and going to do in our lives and diocese.

We ask that you pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good news is for Jews and Gentiles alike (Ephesians 6:19 NLT). It is our strong and passionate desire to keep this diocese united, focus, missionary, and visionary in all that we do. We appeal to you by the mercies of God to focus on the one who has called us.

Brothers and Sisters, I do not count myself to have attained, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press towards the goal to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

We enjoin you to focus on what God has planned for us individually and as a diocese.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

May the Lord fulfill his plans in our lives in Jesus’ name. May the strength of God sustain us; may the power of God preserve us; may the hands of God protect us; may the way of God direct us; may the love of God go with us this day and forever. May the Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord makes his face shine on us and be gracious unto us, the Lord turns his face toward us and gives us peace now and forever. Amen.

Your brother and Friend,
Rt. Rev Olukayode Adebogun PhD
ADOTT.

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

First, I’m pleased to inform you that yesterday, September 23, 2021 the House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria(Anglican Communion) elected Suffragan Bishop Olukayode Adebogun the Diocesan Bishop of ADOTT. Effective as of today he is your Diocesan Bishop(ADOTT).

Please join me in congratulating him and give him your support. May the Lord grant Bishop Adebogun all he needs to serve the diocese well to the glory of God. I am committed to working with him and I encourage you to join me in doing so.

Second, I’m pleased to announce that both the House of Bishops and the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria have canonically approved the geographical areas for ADOTT and ADOTW. Parishes in either diocese that find themselves in the geographical section of another diocese are free to transition immediately to their new diocese without recrimination from any Bishop. Those who are uncomfortable transitioning have a period of up to three years to complete that transition. This is a needed pastoral provision.

Finally, it has been a pleasure serving you all as the Supervisory Bishop of ADOTT which ends herewith. We will continue to work together as members of the Church of Nigeria North American Mission(CONNAM).

I wish you all the Lord’s blessing and joy.

Peace be with you.

Warm regards,

The Rt Rev’d Dr Felix Orji, OSB.
Supervisory Bishop of ADOTT
Coordinating Bishop of CONNAM.
Holy Trinity Cathedral Church
8402 Howell Sugarland Road
Houston, Texas, 77083

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

1 Peter 1:14-16 “The Lord knows those who are his”, and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness” (2 Timothy 2:18-19). The Lord wants us to live lives characterized by obedience and holiness in the way we relate to him, to others, and in the way we practice ministry and carry out His evangelistic mission in the world. That is His expectation of us.

The apostle John reminds us in his epistle that, “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it  is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor
is the one who does not love his brother.”(1 John 3:9-10). God’s word is crystal clear on what a Christian should look like in matters of morality.
Sadly the Christian church has gone off the rails over the centuries in regard to godliness of life. In his book ‘Articles in the Fatherland” 19th century, Danish Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard complained vehemently about the rapidly growing worldly version of Christianity that had become popular and quite acceptable in his time. He said, “Verily there is that which is more contrary to Christianity, and to the very nature of Christianity, than any heresy, any schism, more contrary than all heresies and schisms combined, and that is to play Christianity”. What did
he mean by the expression “to play Christianity”? Here is Kierkegaard’s answer, “In ‘Christendom’ we are all Christians.

In this meaningless sense they have got all men made into Christians, and got everything Christian—and then (under the name of Christianity) we live a life of paganism. They have not ventured defiantly, openly, to revolt against Christianity; no, hypocritically and knavishly they have done away with it by falsifying the definition of what it is to be a Christian. It is of this I say that it is playing Christianity, taking God for a fool.” It’s what Paul meant when he said “having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof” So according to Kierkegaard, “to play Christianity” is to claim to be Christian and yet live like a pagan and a worldling. I wonder what he would say if he saw the flagrant and outrageous display of sin in the 21st century church.

The Lord does not want us to play Christianity. Rather he wants us to practice true Christianity. That is the Christianity that not only calls us to faith in Christ but one that embraces holiness of life. We must live a holy life.

Holiness is necessary for effectiveness in Ministry We should live a holy life because holiness or the lack thereof affects the effectiveness of our message and ministry.

Bishop J. C. Ryle tells the story of a trader “I cannot see the use of so much religion”, said an unbelieving trader; ” I observe that some of my customers are always talking about the gospel, and faith, and election, and the blessed promises and so forth; and yet these very people think nothing of cheating me of pence and half-pence, when they have an opportunity.

Now, if religious persons can do such things, I do not see what good there is in religion.” As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones put it: “When the church is absolutely different from the world, she invariably attracts it. It is then that the world is made to listen to her message, though it may hate it at first” You will ruin your church planting effort by your lifestyle despite your fervor and efforts. Lying, sexual sin, appearances of evil, stealing, Bad character will bring dishonor to God.

What does it mean to live holy and obedient lives in practical terms?
1. First, holiness is conformity to the moral character and purposes of God through obedience to his Word through the power of the Holy Spirit . The English Puritans used two words to describe our obedience.
a. The first word is Mortification: This is the negative aspect of holiness. It means to put to death, avoid, separate yourself from sins and things that will lead you to sin. It is “putting off” of sinful habits and it’s varying manifestations. Sin manifests itself in desires, motivations, attitudes, actions, and in-actions.
(Colossinas 3:5-11)
“5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity,
passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and
obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its
practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the
image of its creator.
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian,
Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”
(Ephesians 4:17-5:7; Galatians 5:19-21; 2Corinthians 6: 14-7: 1).

The Lord wants you to abandon sin including drunkenness, gossip, racism, abusive behavior, hypocrisy, unforgiveness, pride, pornography, adultery, fornication, homosexual sin, etc.
b. The second word is vivification: This is the positive aspect of holiness. It means to awaken, put on, to practice the virtues of the faith. It is to clothe ourselves with holy and godly habits (Colossians 3:12-17; 2Peter 1:3-13). Dr. J. I Packer wrote, “this positive side of holiness is maintaining of loyalty to God and the living of a life which shows forth to others qualities of faithfulness, gentleness, goodwill, kindness forbearance, and uprightness on the model of God’s own display of these qualities in his gracious dealings with us”. In Colossians 3:12-17, the apostle Paul writes, “12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” **Galatians 5:22-24: “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:1-6, 24). –Holiness is both an inward and external way of being and living.

2. Second, holiness involves doing good works: practical good for the benefit of others in private and in public. Helping people in need, alien, underprivileged. As John Wesley said there is nothing more unchristian than a solitary Christian. We need to reach out to others. (Matthew 25:31-46; Acts 11:27-30; James 2:14-17; 1Peter 2:12,15; 1John 3:16-19).
3. Third, holiness is a daily offering/consecration of oneself to God. You say to God I’m here to do your bidding. Use me Lord! Daily surrender, oblation, laying your plans on the altar of God and opening all the doors for him to come in and do what he wants. Richard Baxter said it well, holiness is, “Nothing else but the habitual and
predominant devotion and dedication of soul, and body, and life, and all that we have to God; and esteeming, and loving, and serving, and seeking Him, before all the pleasures and prosperity of the flesh.”

Here is a summary of how Bishop J. C. Ryle, first Anglican Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool, described a holy person:
“A holy man will strive to be like our Lord Jesus Christ.
-A holy man will endeavour to shun every known sin, and to keep every known commandment
-A holy man will follow after meekness, long-suffering, gentleness, patience, kind tempers, government of his tongue. He will bear much, forbear much, overlook much, and be slow to talk of standing on his rights.
– A holy man will follow after temperance and self-denial. He will labour to mortify the desires of his body-to crucify his flesh with his affections and lusts-to curb his passions-to restrain his carnal inclinations, lest at any time they break loose.
– A holy man will follow after charity and brotherly kindness. He will endeavour to observe the golden rule of doing as he would have men do to him, and speaking as he would have men speak to him. He will be full of affection towards his brethren-towards their bodies, their property, their characters, their feelings, their souls
-A holy man will follow after a spirit of mercy and benevolence towards others. He will not stand all the day idle. He will not be content with doing no harm-he will try to do good

– A holy man will follow after purity of heart. He will dread all filthiness and uncleanness of spirit, and seek to avoid all things that might draw him into it.
-A holy man will follow after purity of heart. He will dread all filthiness and uncleanness of spirit, and seek to avoid all things that might draw him into it.
-A holy man will follow after the fear of God
– A holy man will follow after humility. He will desire, in lowliness of mind, to esteem all others better than himself
-A holy man will follow after faithfulness in all the duties and relations in life.
– A holy man will follow after spiritual mindedness. He will endeavour to set his affections entirely on things above, and to hold things on earth with a very loose hand.
-Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God.”

I’m glad that was written by an Anglican Bishop!
My brothers and sisters, I call you all to pursue and strive for peace and holiness without which no one will see the Lord(Hebrews 12:14). May the Lord grant us the grace to do so.
Grace be with you all.

The Rt Rev’d Dr Felix Orji, OSB, ECCK, DD, BA.Ed, M.Ed, DipCS, M.Div, D.Min.
Supervisory Bishop of ADOTT
Coordinating Bishop of CONNAM.
Holy Trinity Cathedral Church
8402 Howell Sugarland Road
Houston, Texas, 77083

At such a Time as this, let’s continue to Trust in God and do the Right
Trinity Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God for His faithfulness, for bringing us to another September and for working out His purpose in our Diocese. Despite the contemporary global challenges, many of our churches continue to experience exponential growth, new church plants are springing up in the Diocese – across Canada and the United States.

Our Mission in Japan continues to blossom. All these can only be attributed to the finger of God, His goodness and faithfulness to us. May His name be praised forever. Amen.

Acknowledging God’s goodness does not in any way undermine the challenges faced by many of us in our personal and corporate lives.

The Jews were faced with death sentence. Haman made determination to wipe out the history of the people of God. All arrangements were in place to actualise this evil dream. The situation required divine intervention. Fear gripped the hearts of the weak and the powerful. Sackcloth and sorrow overwhelmed all the Jews in the area. How shall we be delivered from the decree and manipulation of Haman? Is there hope for us again? Our generation is about to be wiped out with this wicked and ungodly edict? Mordecai, Esther’s adoptive father, mentor, confidant and cheerleader reached out to Esther to intervene; she was also afraid and recognised her limitation. It was natural for her to consider how difficult the situation was.

Mordecai reminded her of the purpose of God and the reason God placed her in that position. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther4:14).

The reminder of this fact changed her story and mindset. She came to her senses – God brought me to this position for a purpose! God cannot make mistakes. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last and the beginning and the end.

God has brought many of us to where we are today for a purpose. We are not residing in North America and in Japan at this time by accident. We cannot afford to be silent. The urgency of the gospel of redemption compels us to rise up and speak the Word of life. We cannot afford to be silent, our world urgently needs this gospel of peace. The gospel of deliverance is needed urgently in North.

America and in Japan. The enemy has signed the edict to destroy the Western world with liberalism, false and prosperity gospel and end-time feel-good messages with no substance and a form of godliness but denying the power thereof (2 Tim 3:5). Only the gospel of peace and salvation in Christ Jesus can bring redemption. We have the message of redemption.

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:13-15 ESV).

God is depending on you. We need the courage to stand. Mordecai stood for his belief without compromise, he encouraged others like Esther to stand for same and “these actions prove that Mordecai believed that being true to his beliefs were more important than following in line with the kingdom leadership and being disappointed in himself afterwards” (Blair Parke, 5 things about Mordecai we can all relate to). You are important to God in His agenda of Redemption in North America and in Japan. We are called to take a stand for this life-changing message. “If this gospel is worth living for, then it is worth dying for” (++Henry Ndukuba). Are you available? Are you ready to take a stand?.

Another important fact to note is that you are important to God but you are not indispensable to God. We cannot hold God to ransom. Mordecai reminded Esther, if you fail to act “relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.” It is only a privilege that God has chosen to use us – mere mortals. We must be available for Him or he can raise help or substitute elsewhere. Remember Jesus’ declaration in John 15:16 – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” BE AVAILABLE, HE CHOSE YOU.

Not only did Mordecai remind her not to be silent and that God cannot be held to ransom in the fulfilment of His agenda, he also reminded her “you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.”

You are not an accident in North America especially within the Anglican Diocese of the Trinity (ADOTT). Whatever we are going through now is not an accident. God has positioned us where we are for a purpose. The understanding of this fact is important for our breakthrough. You are a creature of God that is wonderfully
and fearfully made (Psalm 139:14).

In this bi-monthly brief, I am drawing the attention of all our friends and every member of this great Diocese to this foundational realization and truth, God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33) and He has positioned you, your family, your parish, your archdeaconry and the Anglican Diocese of the Trinity (ADOTT) in North America and Japan for a purpose. That purpose must be fulfilled in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I urge you all to remain focused, don’t be silent in your neighbourhood, respond to the call of God and do what He has called you to do. May God give us grace to align with His purpose for our lives in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Please sing with me Norman MacLeod’s Song – “Courage, brother! Do not stumble” (1857):

1. Courage, brother! do not stumble,
Though your path be dark as night;
There’s a star to guide the humble:
Trust in God and do the right.
Let the road be rough and dreary,
And its end far out of sight;
Foot it bravely; strong or weary,
Trust in God, trust in God,
Trust in God, and do the right.
2. Perish policy and cunning,
Perish all that fears the light!
Whether losing, whether winning,
Trust in God, and do the right.
Some will hate you, some will love you,
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Heed them not, and look above you:
Trust in God, trust in God,
Trust in God, and do the right.

3. Simple rule and safest guiding,
Inward peace, and inward might,
Star upon our path abiding,
Trust in God, and do the right.
Courage, sister! do not stumble,
Though your path be dark as night;
There’s a star to guide the humble:
Trust in God, trust in God,
Trust in God, and do the right.

Let me conclude this piece with the appreciation of God’s faithfulness manifested in the Diocese by referring to specific developments, all of which are worthy of our praise to Him within the Diocese.

Church Anniversary Celebration:
We thank God for the rebirth of Christ Anglican Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in a powerful way – A Church in extinction came back to live. Alleluia! The Church celebrated her 1st year anniversary under the leadership of Postulant Seyi Dairo this month. It was a great celebration with concrete outreach to the
community.
Mount Sinai Anglican Church, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and Anglican Church of the Trinity, McKinney, Texas, USA under the leadership of Rev Kunle Odumosu and Rev Canon Bayo Adenekan respectively also celebrated the 4th year anniversary of their Churches with great and impactful programs in the month on August. May these churches continue to grow daily in Jesus name.

Confirmation Services across the Diocese:
We give thanks to God for success of the confirmation services and licensing of lay minister/Evangelist at Mount Olives Anglican Church, St John, NFLD, Canada by Rt. Rev Dr Olukayode Adebogun and confirmation service at Anglican Church of the Trinity, McKinney, Texas by Rt. Rev Dr Martyn Anagbogu.
Similar service also took place at All Saints Anglican Church, Hyattsville, MD by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Augustine Unuigbe along with the admission of candidates into Mothers’ Union and formal re-inauguration of Anglican Men’s fellowship of the church.

Clergy Movement/Relocation:
We thank God for the ministry of The Rev Dr Polycarp Erivwo, the pioneer priest of Mount Olives Anglican Church, St Johns , NewFoundland, Canada. He has now relocated to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Ontario, Canada to begin a new mission and Church plant. The baton of leadership of the Church has been handed over to Rev Canon Fredrick Akanne as the new priest in charge of Mount Olives Anglican Church, St Johns, NFLD. May the Lord prosper the ministry of these brothers in their various locations in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Beginning of new ministry (Installation as Rectors):
We also give thanks to God for the beginning of new ministry for Revd Canon Tunde Shabi as the Rector of All Saints Anglican Church, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA and The Rev Obinna Ohanugo as the Rector of Anglican Church of Calvary, Philadelphia. With the authorization of the ADOTT supervisory Bishop, The Rt. Rev Dr Felix Orji, the service of installation was conducted by Rt. Rev Dr Augustine Unuigbe. Please pray for the new rectors, their wives and the leadership team.

Milestone marriage/wedding celebration:
We rejoice with Rev Canon Dr David & Mrs Stella Olungwe and Venerable Prof Joseph & Mrs Uche Omoekwe who celebrated their 38th and 42nd wedding anniversary this month respectively. May the wine of the relationships never run dry in Jesus’ name.

2021 CON All clergy conference:
As expected, the Clergy of Anglican Diocese of the Trinity (ADOTT) participated virtually in the 2021 Clergy conference. May all the teachings and prayers bring fruits into eternity in Jesus’ name.

Cornerstone Quarterly Marriage Koinonia

This was held Saturday August 28th, 2021 within the Canada Cornerstone Archdeaconry with the theme “Overcoming Red flags in the home”. Special appreciations to all guest ministers (Rev Dr Gbenga & Evangelist Mrs Olufemi Ola & Dr Adebayo & Mrs Titi Kolade) and God’s blessings on all participants.

Canada Regional Revival meeting:
Monthly Canada wide Revival meeting continues via zoom. Special thanks to all our church fathers who have ministered monthly at the event. The program has been a blessing to the Canadian Churches and brings us together monthly at the feet of Christ. May God’s name continually be praised as we gather every first
Saturday of the month in Jesus’ name. Amen.

New Church plants/Growth in the Diocese
All our regions continue to flourish with new church plants and growth especially as the pandemic lockdown continues to ease. Many of our churches have returned to their places of worship while others are trying to return. In all and despite the pandemic challenges our regions continue to grow.

Good news from our Mission in Japan
We are grateful to God for the progress recorded in our Mission in Japan. Notwithstanding the increasing rate of the pandemic in Japan, the Church of Christ for All Nations in Tokyo, Japan is experiencing membership growth. The Church has moved to a renovated and befitting property occupying two floors comprising an auditorium, a multi-purpose hall (for children service and other use), a room to accommodate a priest, Rector’s office and other facilities. May the Lord continue to prosper the mission in Jesus’ name. Special thanks to Ven Dr. Tiwatope & Mrs Oluwashola Elias-Fatile, the Rector of our Church in Tokyo for their commitment and dedication to the mission.

Lay Minister/Evangelist Handbook:
We thank God for the success and launching of the first handbook for the training of Lay ministers and evangelists within our Diocese. We thank the 5 regional chaplains of the lay minister and Evangelists directorate of the Diocese and all who contributed to the success of the handbook and the launch. May the Lord bless you all. We remain grateful for the effort put into this publication which will be very useful for our lay ministers and evangelists. This is the first edition and subject to improvement as we grow as a diocese.

2021 Annual Youth Convention and change of Guard
The annual convention of the Anglican Trinity Youth Movement (AYTM), the youth ministry of our Diocese took place on August 6th and 7th with the theme “Finding Purpose and Fulfilling Destiny (Jeremiah 1:5).” The main speaker and theme expositor was The Rt. Revd. Adegoke Agara (Diocesan Bishop, Idoani Diocese). The highlights of the program include revival meetings led by Rev. Canon Silas Odimegwu, customised bible study, prayer time, fellowship time, group discussions, seminars by erudite scholars and professionals on various topics, relationship and career building.

The youth also elected a new Diocesan Youth President, Mrs. Deborah Marcus (Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada) to take over from the pioneer president, Mrs. Funke Akindele (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA). We are grateful to God for the leadership of Sister Funke since the inception of this group in the Diocese. Along with her team, she has laid a firm foundation for the youth ministry of the Diocese. On behalf of the bishops, clergy and laity of this diocese, we express our profound gratitude to Sister Funke for her leadership and sacrifice. We congratulate the former Vice President, Mrs. Deborah Marcus, on her election as new President of the organization. May you prosper in this new assignment with your team in Jesus’ name.

We also thank the youth chaplains under the leadership of Venerable James Mwangi for the mentorship and coordination of the children, youth and young adult directorate. May God bless your ministries. Amen.

ADOTT @ 9 (Nine)
The 9th Year Anniversary of the Diocese was celebrated as a solemn day of prayers and fasting across the Diocese on Thursday August 19, 2021. This was followed with a Sunday Thanksgiving Service in all our churches in Canada and USA on August 22, 2021. The participation across the diocese was encouraging. To God be the glory.

Call to Prayer – Cornerstone and Good Samaritan Ministry and Directorate
This directorate geared towards the welfare of the Clergy and Laity across the Diocese also organised two-days prayers and fasting for God’s will to prevail in the selection of a new Diocesan for the Diocese. Members of the Diocese – Lay and Ordained participated actively in these two days prayer session. We thank the organisers, under the leadership of Venerable Prof. Clement Ojeh, for the success of the two-days prayers and fasting.

Partnership with Immanuel College of Theology
The partnership arrangement between ADOTT and Immanuel College of Theology (ICT), Ibadan, Oyo State, which started about 2 years ago witnessed the admission of the first set of ADOTT students to Immanuel College of Theology in 2021. We are grateful for the dedication and sacrificial efforts of The Rt. Revd. Dr. Adedokun Adewunmi, Retired Suffragan Bishop of ADOTT Region 3 and The Most Revd. Dr. Segun Okubadejo (Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan North) who facilitated this relationship with the oldest Anglican Seminary in Nigeria. Weare also grateful to God for the partnership with the Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan and thank the staff of ICT for the training of ordinands and clergy for ministry in the Anglican Diocese of the Trinity.

Finally, may the strength of God sustain us; may the power of God preserve us; may the hands of God protect us; may the way of God direct us; may the love of God go with us this day and forever. May the Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us, the Lord turn his face toward us and give us peace now and forever. Amen.
Your Brother and Friend,
The Rt. Rev Olukayode Adebogun, PhD, FCSI, RCIC
Suffragan Bishop, ADOTT Region 1, Canada
Trinity XV

He noted in the letter “Having consulted and received the blessing of our Primate, the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, it is my pleasure to announce the formation of The Center For CONNAM Theological Education effective August 8, 2021. This Center will provide basic and continuing theological education, spiritual formation, and missiological studies for CONNAM ordinands and clergy. It is our hope that this initiative will lead to the formation of CONNAM Theological Seminary in due course, Deo volente.”

Read Full Statement 

August 6, 2021
“The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by a sudden flight, but they, while their
companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.” -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

All CONNAM Bishops, Clergy & Laity,

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
The issue of theological education, spiritual formation, Christian character, and training for evangelistic mission in
our conflicted, multicultural and ethically-compromised global world is a matter of extraordinary importance in
Christian ministry especially for our Church of Nigeria North American Mission(CONNAM).

Some of us were privileged to attend Seminary and acquired theological education in North America and/or Nigeria under favorable circumstances which are not so much easily available anymore. Therefore, we want to create a mechanism to enhance our effectiveness in our mission in North America.

Having consulted and received the blessing of our Primate, the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, it is my pleasure to
announce the formation of The Center For CONNAM Theological Education effective August 8, 2021. This *Center*
will provide basic and continuing theological education, spiritual formation, and missiological studies for CONNAM
ordinands and clergy. It is our hope that this initiative will lead to the formation of CONNAM Theological Seminary in due course, Deo volente.

For effective delivery of this program I have appointed the Rev’d Canon Dr Godspower Ugboh as the Rector of The
Center For CONNAM Theological Education. Dr Ugboh has a doctoral degree in Transformational Leadership as well as expertise and experience in the delivery of Theological Education and Missiological Studies. He will provide leadership and assemble a team of lecturers from our CONNAM Dioceses and elsewhere to ensure this program is accessible, efficient and effective. 

Dr Ugboh will report to the Coordinating Bishop of CONNAM. Please pray for him and support him in this
endeavor. You may contact Dr Godspower Ugboh at: 347-819-6356 or gpugbo@aol.com

Warm regards,
The Rt Rev’d Dr Felix Orji, OSB.
Coordinating Bishop of CONNAM.
Holy Trinity Cathedral Church
8402 Howell Sugarland Road
Houston, Texas, 77083

Download PDF below:

THE CENTER FOR CONNAM Theological Education.

BY THE RT. REV. DR. FELIX ORJI,
BISHOP OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF THE WEST& COORDINATING
BISHOP OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA NORTH AMERICAN MISSION(CONNAM)

Your Grace, the Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, BD, MA, MA(ED)
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
and Mrs. Angela Eberechukwu Ndukuba (Mama Nigeria)

Your Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Ali Buba Lamido –
Bishop of Wusasa,
Archbishop of the Province of Kaduna & Dean, Church of Nigeria.

His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo (Bishop on the Niger)
His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. James Odedeji (Bishop of Lagos West)
His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Akinpelu Johnson (Bishop of Lagos Mainland)
His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Fagbemi (Bishop of Owo)

His Lordship, Rt Rev Derek Jones,
Bishop of the Diocese of the Armed Forces & Chaplaincy,
The Suffragan Bishops of CONNAM:
Bishop Olukayode Adebogun, Bishop Martyn Anagbogu,
Bishop Augustine Unuigbe, Bishop Scott Seely, and Bishop Celestine Ironna.

Our guest Bishops and Bishop Suffragans:
Bishop Bill Atwood, Bishop of the International Diocese & Dean of International Affairs(ACNA);
Bishop Michael Williams and
Bishop Mark Nordstrom, Bishop Suffragans
of the Diocese of the Armed Forces & Chaplaincy.

Hon. Barr. Abraham Yisa (Registrar, Church of Nigeria)
Ven. Dr. Gershinen Paul Dajur (General Secretary, Church of Nigeria)
Ven. Dr. Yemi Fatusi (Personal Assistant to the Primate).

The Church of Nigeria North American Mission Chancellors:
Attorney Muyiwa Sobo, Chancellor, CONAM
Attorney Christopher Milner, Chancellor, Diocese of the West
Other Chancellors & legal officers of CONNAM Dioceses
Clergy
Noble Knights & Ladies
Laity
Distinguished State and City Officials
Members of the Press
Ladies and gentlemen,

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”(Psalms 118:24).

In humility and sincere gratitude to God we, my wife, Mama West/CONNAM, the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity of CONNAM, the Anglican Diocese of the West and I, welcome you, our beloved Primate, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, and your wife, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, with your entourage to our Diocese.  We are grateful to God for granting you all traveling mercies and for the privilege of sharing fellowship with you.

Your Grace, all members of this Diocese and Holy Trinity Cathedral Church are very grateful to you for presiding at the dedication of this Cathedral. We are very honored and deeply appreciative of the effort you made and the priority you placed on the dedication of this Cathedral outside Nigeria. Most people present may not know that Your Grace presides over the largest Anglican Province in the world, with more than 20 million congregants or about a ¼ of global Anglicans. And added to Your Grace’s other national and international responsibilities, your presence here today is more than a gracious gift and blessing.

We thank God for the good work the Lord is doing through Your Grace in Nigeria and our many missions abroad, especially in focusing the ministry of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on the Reign of God as a matter of urgent priority for all. We believe that by the end of your primacy we will look back with thanks to God that this season was indeed a season in which we experienced and submitted ourselves to the reign of God in all aspects of the Church of Nigeria. You have demonstrated for us what it means to be a godly, irenic, evangelistic, mission-minded, gracious, and disciplined leader. Your Grace’s record of rugged evangelism in Northern Nigeria, of suffering, and courage for the sake of the gospel is remarkable. By the grace of God you have remained undaunted despite adversities, the burning of your house, and assassination attempts on your life. Undeterred and encouraged by the Holy Spirit you have demonstrated your love for the poor and the oppressed by serving the community, building schools, and medical facilities wherever God has allowed Your Grace to serve. We are thankful to the Lord that our Primate is a dedicated missionary, liturgist, educator, and humble preacher of the Word of God. Thank you for being a good example and model for us in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON). Thank you for your commitment to gospel ministry to the Youth and young adults of our Province. We pray and believe that Your Grace’s tenure will indeed reposition the Church to achieve her wholistic mission in the world as we prepare God’s Elect for the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Church of Nigeria North American Mission (CONNAM) comprises the Anglican Diocese of the West (ADOTW) led by Bishop Felix Orji; the Anglican Diocese of the Trinity (ADOTT) currently under my supervision; and the Diocese of the Armed Forces & Chaplaincy (JAFC) led by Bishop Derek Jones. There are currently five Suffragan Bishops in CONNAM: three in ADOTT(Bishop Kayode Adebogun, Bishop Martyn Anagbogu, & Bishop Augustine Unuigbe) and two in ADOTW(Bishop Scott Seely & Bishop Celestine Ironna). I’m grateful to the Suffragan Bishops of ADOTT- Bishop Anagbogu, Bishop Adebogun, and especially to Bishop Augustine Unuigbe for his assistance in my work as Supervisory Bishop of ADOTT especially at the beginning when the going was tough he stepped in and assisted me for the good of the kingdom of God. I’m also very grateful to the our retired Primates, Archbishop Peter Akinola and Archbishop Nicholas D Okoh, the Dean Emeritus CoN, Archbishop Ephraim Ademowo, the Registrar of the CoN, Honorable Barrister Yisa, and especially the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Ali Buba Lamido for playing a significant role in the stability of CONNAM. Thank you, Archbishop Lamido for many several discussions and words of encouragement! The previous chancellor of CANA Attorney Christopher Milner, the current Chancellor of CONNAM, Attorney Muyiwa Sobo, and the Executive Archdeacon of our Diocese Venerable Dr Myles Calvin have been extremely helpful to me in my role as the Coordinating Bishop of CONNAM. We thank God for the opportunity and grace He has given the Bishops, Clergy, laity, of CONNAM to do the work of mission and ministry and to carry out the various assignments given us by the Primate.

Our mission in North America is to reach Nigerians and others in North America with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are not hear to build a legacy and kingdom for ourselves. Rather we are here to make disciples for Christ and draw people into the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. It has not been easy to do this, I must say due to problems from within our mission and from outside of it, but it has been rewarding and a great privilege for us to serve Christ in this mission. Your Grace’s clear, prompt, firm, disciplined, and mission-oriented approach in addressing many of the present and long-term problems in CONNAM has been very refreshing and extremely helpful in dealing with many of the issues bedeviling our mission in North America. We thank you for restoring discipline, godliness, respect for leadership and instilling a gospel-centered focus to this mission. I trust that this approach will continue so that God’s work will be done in peace and with integrity. We will continue to do our best trusting God that His work committed unto us will not suffer any setback as we look unto Jesus Christ, who is the author and Perfecter of our faith. The grace of God is undoubtedly sufficient for us, as we forge ahead in fulfilling His mission in North America with respect and due consideration of our Anglican brothers and sisters in ACNA and around the world.

Our Diocese, the Anglican Diocese of the West has approximately 90 clergy in more than 50 churches, spread out over 14 US states, 4 Canadian Provinces, and the Persian Gulf. We lost some parishes after we left ACNA but God is building his church and for that we must rejoice. I’m grateful to the Lord for the laity and lay leaders of our Diocese. God in his mercy has given us two godly Suffragan Bishops, Bishop Scott Seely and Bishop Celestine Ironna, and many capable, skilled, and committed clergy who serve in parishes and leadership positions as Archdeacons and Canons. I want to thank our Executive Archdeacon, Venerable Dr Myles Calvin, Canon to the Ordinary Venerable Canon Don Armstrong, Venerable Michael Kelshaw, Diocesan Officer for Ethics Venerable Dr Cleo Kukeya, our Diocesan Chancellor, Attorney Christopher Milner, our Deputy Chancellor, Attorney Solomon Kanu, our Diocesan Treasurer, Sir Charles Napier, our Cathedral legal officer Attorney Sir Okey Dike, other Diocesan legal officers, our Diocesan Medical Director, Lady Dr Obiageli Obijiofor, Sir Ron Munden, Sir Bill Burton, Sir Sonny Brown, Sir Forster Duru, Sir Emma Ezeji, Sir Randall Crossland, Sharon Butterworth and many men and women in this diocese who have been integral and selfless in faithfully serving the Diocese. Thank you to all the clergy and laity who serve and support this Diocese faithfully, prayerfully and financially in carrying out our mission for Christ.

Today, we are simply and extraordinarily blessed. We have a historic Cathedral in El Paso, Texas, St Francis Cathedral Church. It was the first Cathedral for the Diocese who faithfully and sacrificially supported me and this Diocese in our early stages and continues to do so under the leadership of Venerable Layne Hansen. In 2019, we moved the Headquarters of the Diocese to Holy Trinity Cathedral Church here in Houston, Texas, in order to be more central and for efficient resource management and stewardship.

Holy Trinity Cathedral is a Bible believing, family-oriented, and mission-minded church. This parish has always supported the Diocese during the leadership of the Very Rev Dr. Godson Paul-Nzeh and continued by Venerable Chukwuma Ubadinobi, the Archdeacon of the Cathedral. To the glory of God, the parish of Holy Trinity purchased the land for the building of the Cathedral in 2011. We laid the foundation in 2017, and actual construction commenced in 2018. To His glory and expansion of His Kingdom, God has enabled us to complete the Cathedral being dedicated today by Your Grace, the Primate of all Nigeria.

We thank God for and sincerely appreciate the perseverance of the Cathedral congregation and their sacrificial giving towards the construction and completion of this Cathedral. We also commend and congratulate the Cathedral Vestry, the Archdeacon of the Cathedral, Ven. Chukwuma Ubadinobi, along with his wife, Ijeoma and the dedicated team of clergy and lay leaders, especially the Building Committee and its Chairman, Dr. Charles Udolisa; and the Dedication Committee and its Chairman Sir Charles Onuogu (Will the Building Committee and the Dedication Committee, please stand to be recognized) and the Communication officer/Men’s leader, Sir Paul Chukwujekwu. I will be remiss if I do not appreciate Sir Innocent and Lady Onyinye Ohalete for the beautiful Bishop’s throne gifted to the Diocese. The Lord has used you all mightily to achieve this project to His glory. On behalf of the Diocese we thank members of Holy Trinity Cathedral for the gift of this church to the Diocese to be the Cathedral of the Diocese. This gesture will not be forgotten. May God bless and richly reward you all. Amen

Your Grace, the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, our beloved Primate, once again, we are indeed grateful to you and your entourage for finding time to be with us and for graciously accepting to dedicate our Cathedral. May God continue to bless you and your family. May He grant you good health, protect you, and enable you to finish well and strong. In your time, the Church will continue to grow spiritually, materially, and in numbers, depopulating the Kingdom of darkness and populating God’s eternal Kingdom through the Gospel of Christ.

On behalf of my wife, Lilian and myself, this Cathedral, and my brothers and sisters in CONNAM, we welcome you all, and we thank you for taking the time to be here to rejoice with us. May your fellowship with us be a source of continuing blessing even after your departure to the glory of God.

Thank you, Your Grace, and thank you all for coming. May the Lord bless us all. Amen.

The Rt Rev’d Dr Felix Orji, BA.Ed, M.Ed, DipCs, M.Div, D.Min, DD
Diocesan Bishop | Anglican Diocese of the West
Church of Nigeria North American Mission(CONNAM)
Houston, Texas, USA