Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

By Gbenga Faturoti Correspondent, Osogbo, The Daily Independent

Catholic and Anglican Bishops weighed in on economic and security matters at the weekend, as both groups criticised the approach of President Goodluck Jonathan to the menace posed by Boko Haram in the North, and expressed concern over Islamic banking.

Over 20 Bishops of the Anglican Communion who congregated at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ogharefe Delta State at the First Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Sapele condemned the introduction of Islamic banking.

They urged Abuja to review the conditions for the approval of non-interest banking and make all possible amendments that would ensure the interest of every religious group in Nigeria is protected.

They also tasked political leaders to remember that if they do not alleviate the sufferings of the masses, then their service is not of God.

A communique signed by the host of the meeting, Blessing Erifeta, and the Synod's Clerical Secretary, T. O. Usikaro, condemned Boko Haram extremism, the murder of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the North, and ritual killing and kidnapping across the land.

Erifeta tasked Nigerian leaders to remember that they are to attend to the plight of citizens who suffer in the midst of plenty, reverse infrastructure decay, provide drinking water, electricity, good roads – amenities taken for granted in other modern nations.

To fail in this great duty and to begin to serve only personal interests is to fail both man and God, he stressed.

He added: “Every person in position of leadership in churches, politics, civil service ,and the society in general is also included in this call so as to make God’s love be fulfilled in mankind”.

The synod congratulated Jonathan and other public officials on their electoral victory, but pressed the government to strengthen and free the judiciary.

Anglican Primate of Nigeria, Nicholas Okoh, sent a goodwill message to the Bishops who attended the meeting, who included Blessing Enyindah, Dapo Asaju, F.J. Imaekhai, C. I. Ide, P. Onekpe, J.E. Oyepken, John Akao, C.O. Odutemi E. B. Emamezi, O. Obiosa, Ndukwa, Jacob Bada, J.F.E Edewor, P.O. J. Imasuen, Justus Mogekwu, N.A. Enuku, and V.O. Moughereh.

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