A few days ago, during the just ended Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON), held at Abuja, the Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, formally addressed the delegates, vis-a-vis, the entire Church of Nigeria on the recent resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. While regretting the reported cause of the archbishop’s resignation, Primate Ndukuba reiterated the resolve of the Communion against condoning evil.
Details:
THE PRIMATE:
Some of us have heard of what happened a few days ago as a result of Makin’s report or review on an issue which cropped up. A man called John Smyth who was a Queen’s counsel, (like a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN) in England, but a prominent member of the Church of England and a member of the Church’s Commission. The Church Commission is the commission that is in charge of their investments and their resources. It is like a member of the Standing Committee, a delegate to the General Synod.
This man was known to have abused the boys, little children – vulnerable children. When he took them, he went to their camp, the camp of young people. When he got there he slept with them and had sexual assaults on young people. So if he would do with young boys, would he leave young girls? Would he leave women or men?
This went on. The Church had the reports but did not take any action. The man died in 2017. Now those who he abused are crying out. The evils he did are now speaking against him today.
Brethren, we will not keep silent in the face of evil. We have said that non of us is indispensable, whether you are a bishop or a delegate, a canon, an archdeacon or whatever, please let us honour God. If you cross the red line, don’t think that there will be any hiding place. There’s no dispute over evil, over sin, over wickedness.
Now you know that the Archbishop of Canterbury and his group have been pushing for homosexuality, and now, the Lord has entered the battle. Look, this is evil. We cannot promote evil in the Church and cover it and think that nothing will happen. This Church belongs to God.
It’s not only in Nigeria, but also in England. Who would ever tell the Archbishop of Canterbury that this was the way he would go? So, even amongst us , let us fear God. Let us fear God. This panel has brought up a report and said that he (Smyth) was culpable, he, (the Archbishop) was not the one that abused, but he was in authority to make sure that such abuse was addressed. When he failed to do what he could do but, instead, covered it, there was no other thing remaining than to demand for his resignation.
A few days earlier he did not know that it would happen. A week before, he didn’t know that it would happen. But this is God delivering His Church.
Brethren, the word of God still stands sure, righteousness exalts a people, a nation, a family, an individual, but sin is a reproach. Hate what is evil; run away! We may be weak, but our God is not weak. When we acknowledge our shortcomings and wickedness and turn in repentance, God will show mercy.
And so, brethren, it is heartbreaking, but let us continue to pray for the Church of England. The process is already on for a new archbishop. Welby must be prayed for. I plead with you to pray for him and his family.
(By Alex Uzoigwe)
