The Rt.Revd. Abel Oluyemi Ajibodu, the Bishop of the Diocese of Ile-Oluji, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has affirmed that the Church is strongly against membership of secret cults and secret societies by her members.
Citing the Constitution and Canons of The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), he detested the false notion by some people that the Church was in support of such membership.
Bishop Ajibodu who was preaching the Sermon at the Diocesan Joint Service in the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ile-Oluji last Sunday, urged any clergyman or laity in secret societies or cults to quit so as not to incur God’s wrath and the prescribed discipline by the Church.
It would be recalled that the Diocese of Ile-Oluji and other dioceses make it mandatory for the clergy being ordered, ordained, inducted, installed, collated, consecrated or enthroned to swear that they do not belong to any secret societies and that they would never join any.
There is also a provision for renunciation by those who belonged to those cults and societies.
Same thing applies to lay church members elected or appointed to church councils and offices.
The preacher said although churches make provisions for members to ease themselves during services, they should not waste time in the toilet. Members should also avoid sleeping or dozing during prayers and sermons in order not to miss their divine blessings.
Emphasising that the Kingdom of God is attainable by every committed Christian while on earth, Bishop Ajibodu admonished all to enhance their faith and obey biblical injunctions.
“When you allow God to control your life and do His will, you are in the Kingdom of God”, he added.
The Bishop directed the clergy to give more room to youths to participate in church services and fully utilise their talents under guidance and in conformity with Anglican traditions and norms.
By Olufemi Oyawale