PRESS STATEMENT
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) calls on its clergy, laity and the general public to remain calm and allow ongoing ecclesiastical and judicial processes to run their proper course. The call follows recent public statements and court actions concerning decisions taken by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev’d Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, in the exercise of his ecclesiastical and supervisory responsibilities.
The Church, through its General Secretary, the Ven. Dr. Festus Opara, assures its members that the actions now before the courts were not taken lightly. Its commitment to discipline and order is not at variance with the Christian virtues of patience, forgiveness, reconciliation and justice.
The decisions followed a prolonged period of enquiry into concerns relating to ecclesiastical authority, accountability and compliance with established Church procedures. Efforts were also made to resolve the disagreements through conciliatory engagement.
Peace must go hand in hand with accountability, mutual respect and canonical order. Reconciliation remains an essential Christian obligation, but it must be pursued within the framework of the Church’s Constitution, Canons and established procedures. As Scripture says in 1 Corinthians 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
Like every other Church leader, the Primate remains subject to the Constitution, Canons and established processes of the Church. The present matter must therefore be addressed through the appropriate institutional and judicial channels, with due regard for fairness, restraint and the rule of law.
All Anglican faithful are urged to remain prayerful, steadfast and united, and not to be drawn into speculation or unwholesome public exchanges. Members of the public and the media are respectfully encouraged to exercise restraint while the matter is before the appropriate bodies.
The Church remains confident that truth, justice, Christian discipline and peace are best served by respect for due process. It calls on all concerned to uphold the dignity of the Church and to seek the resolution of differences in a manner consistent with Christian witness and the rule of law.
May God grant His Church wisdom, patience and peace.
Ven. Raphael Adedoyin Aderinwale
Director of Communication
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
[email protected]
