• Archbishop of Canterbury resigns over child abuse allegations linked to Church of England
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has dissociated itself from the recent decision of the Church of England to approve same-sex marriage for the people.
Primate of Anglican Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, stated the position of the Church of Nigeria at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON 2024) in Abuja, yesterday.
The Primate also advised the Federal Government to channel the funds it spent on palliatives to build industries, noting that investing in industrialisation could create more employment.
The conference with the theme “Peace be still’, taking from the Gospel of Mark 4:35 – 41” is aimed at creating hope for the church and interceding for Nigeria as a country.
On same-sex marriage, he said: “The Church of England has derailed in faith. They have not only voted to approve same-sex marriage, but the Liturgy for the celebration of such rebellion against God.
“A few weeks ago, we were in the UK with other Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) leaders to consult with the Alliance and other Evangelical and Orthodox leaders of the Church to encourage them and work with them to have a safe and faithful spiritual Home to continue their Mission and Ministry of the Kingdom of God.
“The Church of Nigeria will stand and work with GAFCON to uphold Biblical Orthodoxy and Faithfulness in proclamation of the Gospel and maintaining our cherished Anglican Heritage. On these, there is no turning back.
“When evil seems to prevail, many people grapple with the idea of God being in control of the world. Beloved in Christ, God is still in control of the work of His hands. He has not abdicated His responsibility to humans. He is sovereign and rules in the affairs of men. We must maintain a firm faith that God is in complete control, even in the face of evil.
“Our faith provides comfort and assurance that God’s goodness will prevail, even when the world seems chaotic. Challenges and adversity are part of the fire of the furnace to burn off the chaff in our lives as believers. Adversity serves as God’s means for spiritual growth and maturity. It strengthens our faith, builds our character, and draws us closer to God.”
He, however, stated that, though the Church of Nigeria might have contrary views in such a sensitive matter, it does not affect the cordial relationship of the Church of Nigeria with the Church of England.
He explained that DIVCCON is the Church of Nigeria’s Annual Conference in which they come as God’s people and servants to share in fellowship, prayer and be taught of the Lord and be renewed in faith, hope and love as they live and serve the LORD.
On the sidelines of the event, Ndukuba told journalists that revitalising moribund textiles and other industries as well as establishing new ones across the six geo-political zones could reduce economic hardship.
The cleric commended the government for ensuring that the scope of intervention of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) expanded from building infrastructure to carrying out research programmes, innovation and industrialisation.
He added that translating such ideas to industrialisation could make more impacts in Nigeria.
“I was delighted to hear that TETFund is not only for building infrastructure at our higher institutions but also to encourage research, innovation and industrialisation.
“How this can be translated into industrialisation is the way to go.
“Our present situation cannot be solved by giving palliatives only, yes palliatives are just for immediate relief but there is the need to revive our industries, the textiles and others,’’ he said.
The primate queried “do you know how many textiles have gone bankrupt in Kaduna State?.
“If we have five textiles functioning in the north, I am telling you that a great number of our youths would be employed to work both day and night.”
Emphasising on the theme, the cleric expressed hope for the country, advising that Nigeria was passing through the storm as Jesus Christ and his disciples did while he stood up and calmed the heavy winds.
He further advised that Nigerians should not be anxious over the stormy situation, adding, God Almighty would see the country through its trials.
He said Jesus’ calmness was significant and worthy of emulation as he was not anxious or panicky, he rather demonstrated a peace that transcends circumstances and foreshadows the peace he would soon bring to the raging waters.
“I want to tell you that most Nigerians are worried, they are anxious, they are in fear of their own lives, they are not even sure of where the next food will come from.
“And it’s in this situation as we are facing a storm and none of us has the solution, it is in such a situation that the word of God is coming to us,” he said.
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), lauded the Anglican Church for its continued role in fostering unity, faith and hope within the Christian community in Nigeria.
Represented by Reverand Princewill Ireoba, Okoh explained that the conference theme came at the right time to raise the hope of God’s people especially as Nigeria is faced with numerous challenges.
“Peace be still resonates deeply with us as Christians facing the storms of our time. We live in times of profound challenges politically, economically and socially that test our resilience and faith. Yet, it is in such storms that the Lord calls us to remember His sovereignty, to trust in His words and to know that His peace surpasses all understanding.
“Just as Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, so He stands ready to calm the storms in our lives, in our nation and in the hearts of all who seek Him. It shall be well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned following the publication of the Makin Review, which exposed the Church of England’s mishandling of historic abuse allegations involving John Smyth.
In a statement, yesterday, Welby acknowledged the extent of the church’s failures in responding to the abuse and expressed regret over the delayed response to survivors of Smyth’s crimes.
Welby stressed the importance of institutional responsibility and expressed sorrow for the victims and survivors of abuse, emphasising his commitment to creating a safer environment within the church.
“The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth. When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.
“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.
“It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.
“I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church.”
Welby noted his efforts to implement improvements in safeguarding over the last twelve years.
“The last few days have renewed my long felt and profound sense of shame at the historic safeguarding failures of the Church of England,” he said.
“For nearly twelve years I have struggled to introduce improvements. It is for others to judge what has been done.
Welby expressed his commitment to his faith, stating that stepping aside was “in the best interests of the Church of England, which I dearly love and which I have been honoured to serve.
“My deepest commitment is to the person of Jesus Christ, my saviour and my God; the bearer of the sins and burdens of the world, and the hope of every person.”
Welby said he would continue his work with victims of abuse, delegating his other responsibilities until a proper risk assessment process is completed.
He also requested prayers for his family, who have been a constant source of support during his ministry.
