Church of Nigeria:

ENUGU CONSECRATION: "Serve and Suffer for Christ"

CONN/370407

Foluso Taiwo, Abuja

Preaching at the Consecration Service of six new bishops, the Bishop of Ughelli Anglican Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Vincent Muogehreh, who took his text from the Gospel according to St. Mark Chapter 10 vs 42 - 45, took exception to the kingdom of the world where pride and arrogance are the order of the day. He said rulers lord it over their subjects. This act of despotism according to him negates the example of true greatness of service laid down by Jesus Christ.

He opined that Jesus Christ did not come to be served but to serve. He then called on the six (6) newly consecrated Bishops to be focused and he challenged them to serve and suffer for Christ who will never forsake them.

The Rt. Rev. Vincent Muogehreh also called on the laity to be ready at all time to help their Bishops at these trying times so that the Gospel may spread fast. According to him ‘anointing without supporting funds leads to annoyance.’

The Rt. Rev. Vincent Muogehreh said the idea of ‘small work fat money’, the lazy attitude of the Noveau Rich must be discouraged and called on public servants who are now public masters to have a RE-THINK and serve people because the receive their salary from tax payers money.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) added additional five Missionary Dioceses and six Bishops by virtue of the consecration on Wednesday, 18^th April, 2007 at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Enugu.

The Clergy are: The Rt. Rev. Jonathan Bamaiyi, Rt. Rev. Evans Ibeagha, Rt. Rev. Samuel Olukunle Ajani, Rt. Rev. Blessing Enyindah, Rt. Rev. Owen Azubuike and the Rt. Rev. John Ezirim.

L-R Bamaiyi, Ibeagha, Ajani, Enyindah, Azubuike and Ezirim kneel for prayers in Enugu

The consecration which took place at the prestigious seven thousand seat Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd in the Diocese of Enugu attracted Archbishops and over sixty serving Bishops of the Church of Nigeria, retired Bishops and special dignitaries from all over the country.

The Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola, CON presided at the consecration service. He called on the politicians in the country to imbibe the Spirit of sportsmanship during the election period. Archbishop Akinola prayed for wisdom courage and love of Christ at this slippery period.

High points of the consecration service were the Oaths taken, Consecration proper, prayers, and melodious rendition of hymns by the mass choir of the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Enugu with their rich sonorous voices. It was refreshingly unique with all instruments of worship in concordant tunes. The youths were not left out as the Brigade colors were presented at the beginning of the service

Youth Brigade Color Party

The incumbent Bishop of Enugu Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma was commended by the Primate for facilitating and making the Consecration Service glorious.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) by this latest Consecration Service has increased from 116 - 122 Bishops and Dioceses. The Church has over the years become established as the champion of Mission efforts and has maintained its reputation as the fastest growing Church in the Anglican fold with over 18 Million worshipers.

(Church of Nigeria News)