London, 8 February (ENInews) British Anglicans have called upon the United Kingdom government to support those in Nigeria seeking to protect religious minorities of all faiths and enable them to practice their religion without fear.
By Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Revd Nick Baines on his blog
My Brother's Keeper
According to the commentariat the General Synod of the Church of England is obsessing about women bishops today. The twitter sphere is buzzing with it. A bit disappointing, then, that the day begins with a ‘debate’ about the plight of Christians in Nigeria. Or… about time we got some proportion into the significance of what preoccupies us (the Synod as well as the commentators)?
The new Bishop of Durham reported from a recent visit to Nigeria on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He described the situation of the church in northern Nigeria as “systematically, deliberately and progressively being eliminated”. He explored political, economic and religious developments there and reminded us of the complexity of such realities. The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke of “the threatened disintegration of a society under pressure from Boko Haram, one of the most extreme organisations in the world”.
The importance of this debate this morning is that it exemplifies again the vital nature of the Anglican Communion. The Archbishop of York expressed the essential solidarity within the community – emphasising, as did others, that this is not just about us defending other Christians, but defending all people and minorities in Nigeria – by stating that whatever happens to ‘them’ happens to ‘us’. Hence, our prayers, support, advocacy and encouragement to politicians to use their weight in addressing this disastrous situation.
Several speakers in the debate related stories of how diocesan link relationships demonstrate their real value at times like this. Real people meet real people… on the ground… unalloyed by spin or selective reporting.
This is the heart of the Anglican Communion beating strongly: not about issues, but about fellowship in Christ, rooted in a common humanity under God, unafraid to speak truth to power.
Now back to women bishops…
Osun State deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Laoye-Tomori has reiterated the efficacy of prayer as the only panacea to the incessant killing of Christians by Boko Haram sect in some parts of Nigeria.
Archbishop Peter Akinola, a retired Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has urged Christians to remain peaceful and shun retaliatory attacks against their Muslims brothers.
OGWASHI-UKU (DELTA) - The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Asaba, Most Rev Justus Mogekwu, has called on the Chiefs and inhabitants of Ogwashi-Uku to do away with the worship of deities.
The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma, has warned those, including Boko Haram, scheming to distract the government of President Goodluck Jonathan to retrace their steps and turn a new leaf.
27 January (ENInews)--Christian and Muslim leaders worldwide are being urged to act together to address the violence being unleashed in northern Nigeria that has been blamed on Boko Haram, a self-proclaimed Islamist group.
[World Council of Churches] The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit expressed deep sadness over the current wave of violence in Nigeria, calling on the churches to pray for the victims, and asking Nigerian president to support solidarity efforts for peace by both Christians and Muslims in the country.
An Anglican cleric, Ven Ugochukwu Ekeada of the Cathedral Church of All Saints, Egbu in Owerri North Local Government of Imo State, has challenged leaders at all levels, to humble themselves in their services to the nation and mankind.
Open Doors’ 2012 World Watch List ranks countries where Christians suffered in 2011.
Sudan and northern Nigeria saw steeper increases in persecution against Christians than 48 other nations where Christians suffered abuse last year, according to an annual ranking by Christian support organization Open Doors.
By Moshood Adebayo, Abeokuta. The Sun News Online
The Bishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Egba Diocese, Revd. Emmanuel Adekunle has urged the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to allow his administration has human face.
The Bishop of Remo Anglican Diocese, The Right Reverend Olusina Fape, has described the Mother of the Diocese and Iya Ijo of Our Saviour’s Anglican
The Anglican Church has declared a seven-day fasting and prayers for Nigeria and its leadership, Primate of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has said.
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.
From www.leadership.ng
The retired Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Reverend Abiodun Adetiloye, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to drop the proposed single term of six years for president and governors in the country.
By the Daily Champion's Alphonsus Nweze, in allAfrica.com
Onitsha — FORMER Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion and Ex-Archbishop of Diocese on the Niger, Most Rev. Jonathan Onyemelukwe is dead.
From the Daily Champion
BISHOP Idowu Fearon of Kaduna Anglican Diocese has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to sustain his commitment to the education sector.
By George Conger, Church of England Newspaper
Church leaders in Nigeria have urged the government to act swiftly in combating terror attacks on Christians.
