Anglican Church lauds return of peace to Kaduna
From Peter Onwubuariri who was in Kaduna
CONN/120305
March 15, 2005- Six years after a scheduled meeting of the Church was botched in Kaduna following religious crisis, delegates who attended the Church standing committee has lauded the return of peace to the area.
In 1999, the Kaduna Episcopal meeting of the Church of Nigeria was to deliberate the election of the successor of Archbishop Joseph Adetiloye, the former Primate of All Nigeria.
Bishops were preparing to attend the all important meeting when news filtered in that Kaduna was up in flames.
Footage showed maimed and killed persons littered around the streets of Kaduna aftermath bloody clashes involving Christians and muslims.
Security reports advised the Anglican Bishops heading to the ancient city to stay away from the city that bears the appellate `center of learning. ’
However for four days March 9- 12 2005 Anglican churchmen were in Kaduna this time not to fight battle or show solidarity to the casualties of war but to discuss the mutual growth of the Church particularly on evangelism and to take positions on key issues in the country.
Primate Akinola captured the mood of the delegates in his opening address `` Brothers and Sisters, as we gather in Kaduna this time in peace and quiet, we must offer gratitude to God who has been gracious in the restoration of peace to this historic city… and thank the government and the good people of Kaduna State, for embracing peace as the best way forward. ’’
He however, regretted the unfortunate incidents of the past `` Many lives and property have been lost in recent past, and we must use this opportunity to commiserate with all our members. ’’
Earlier Kaduna
Deputy Governor Stephen Skekari , who stood in for Governor Ahmed Makarfi
commended the leadership of the Church for playing a vital role toward the
return of peace in the state.
According to him the church demonstrated the Christ like nature of peace during the time of crisis and mediation.
He commended the Primate of the Anglican Church for living up to his vision of church growth and expansion and singled out the creation of additional dioceses as a step in the right direction.
Host Bishop and Archbishop of Kaduna Province, Most Rev Idowu Fearon announced that Governor Ahmed Makarfi donated the sum N1 million to ensure the success of the meeting.
While applauding the donation of the governor, he stressed that contrary to speculations from the outside, Kaduna state is enjoying peace and tranquility and has gone ahead to appoint non-indigenes of the area into the state executive council.
Akinola told delegates that the National Church is in Kaduna to study the word of God, worship and pray under the theme `` Obedience’’ taken from 1 Samuel 15:22.
He posed the following questions as reflective on the church “are there areas in which we are rejecting God’s deserved rulership over our lives as individuals, church and society? Are there clear instructions from the Lord God, which we as individuals, church and society are disregarding for any reasons? .
“With the spate of antagonism from some parts our Church, following our decisions, would we still say all is well with us?’’ Akinola asked setting the tone for discussion at the meeting.
The meeting later broke into groups to discuss the strategies for actualizing the mission 1-1-3 project aimed at doubling the size of the church in 2007.
Governor Makarfi of Kaduna State hosted the august visitors to a state banquet. He expressed his appreciation for the new understanding between Christians and Muslims in the State.
He urged the delegates not to relent in praying for their leaders both in the secular and religious field.
The next General synod of the Church of Nigeria is scheduled for September in Onitsha.
(Church of Nigeria News)
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