A STEP FORWARD IN ANGLICAN –AFRICAN CHURCH CONVERSATIONS

By Ven  Dr Olusola Igbari

The two year old ecumenical conversations between the Anglican and African churches in Nigeria  has started to yield positive results.

The major concern of the joint commission is to engage in round table conversation to deepen the theological knowledge on thematic issues which our Christian faith affirms. At the 4^th meeting of the commission held at St Annes church, Ibadan in April 2009, the commission agreed to make available to the heads of the two churches their observations and recommendations on issues relating to marriage and widowhood.

It is the wish of the commission that the recommendations be considered as guide to our churches in marriage and widowhood.

The truth of the bible teachings cannot be contended hence Christian churches have the imperative to pass on these to their members undiluted. For instance, in our churches today, marriage, a holy institution, have been trivialized by making it more of a cultural matter than a Christian institution.

In event, widows have been exposed to barbaric treatments thereby dehumanizing the sanctity of God’s image on people.

It is our hope as the joint commission that these core values of our Christian life be tenaciously adhered to.

HIGHLIGHTS ON MARRIAGE-RECOMMENDATIONS

1.     The church should first of all preach abstinence and organize seminars for our young people (Boys and ladies ) on pre-Marital Sex..

2.     The teaching of holiness and chastity should be encouraged through the word of God.

3.     The church should request for general blood test e.g HIV, Genotype etc. 

4.     General tests results should be obtained form certified medical doctor and highly recognized hospital.

5.     where the bride is perceived to have been pregnant, the following steps should be taken:

a.     The bride should not wear white gown

b.     There should be no bridal train. 

c.      Some aspects of the programme should be omitted e.g.

                                                             i.            Charge and declaration

                                                           ii.            Marriage Bann should still be announced in the church

In this case Marriage blessing should be encouraged rather than the white and full Marriage service.

6.     The proper counseling should be given  to both parents and couple on indecent dressing long before the wedding.

7.     That parents and couple should be advised to minimize their expenses during wedding celebration. Borrowing should be discouraged

HIGHLIGHTS ON WIDOWHOOD

The treatment of widows has become the concern of well meaning people who really cherish human dignity within the Church of God. Treatment of widows by the family of the deceased even in a Christian environment has been described as inhuman. It is important to know that these widows are usually exposed to uncomfortable experiences which lead to regret in life.

SUCH EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:

1.     Exposure to an emotional and psychological trauma, associated with pain frustration.

2.     They are also exposed to fetish ways of treatment to an extent of forcing some widows to drink the water used to bathe their late husbands.

3.     These widows are denied of sharing in the properties jointly owned with their deceased husband.

4.     They are exposed to assaults from public or individuals at any given time.

5.     They are abandoned by the society after the funeral.

6.     The pledges made at the funerals of the husbands are not usually fulfilled.

7.     Forced marriage to any of the husband’s family even against the wish of the widow involved.

8.     The education of the children of the widows is usually at stake except for the widows in the working class.

9.     In some cultures, the widows are deprived personal hygine, they must always sit on the floor and eat with unwashed hands and broken plates.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.     Individuals, churches as well as agencies and organizations should enlighten the communities on widowhood practices and their negative health implications.

2.     The legislation should help curb the unnecessary suffering of our widows in the hands of uncivilized and unchristian families. And any defaulter should be severely punished.

3.     There should be total re-orientation of the behaviour in places where these in-human cultures are practiced.

4.     The church and all Christian Organisations should make strong efforts at addressing these issues with the aim of eliminating those aspects of traditions/culture which dehumanize and humiliate our widows

At the October meeting held at the African Church Cathedral Ring Road Ibadan , reports were given by the two secretaries on how our churches have started to respond positively to the observations and recommendations.

The next topic is Ordination in all its ramifications, the biblical foundations,  the need for it as an imperative for church growth, the theological argument surrounding the ordination of women and the spiritual implications on the lives of the members.

The commissioned paper on this will be discussed at the next meeting of the commission fixed for 28^th April, 2010, to be hosted by Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at the venue to be fixed later.

No doubt, this joint commission will definitely compliment the efforts of our churches in enhancing the moral and spiritual growth of our members in living the core Christian values expected of us as God’s people.

In attendance at the last meeting, were the chairman, Rt Rev. (Prof) J. Akin Omoyajowo, the Vice chairman, The Rt Rev. Odufuwa, the secretary, Mrs Ibironke and the Assistant Secretary Ven Dr Sola Igbari and other members of the commission. Glory be to God that this vision initiated by the incumbent Primate His Grace The Most Rev Peter Akinola. in connection with Ecumenical Relations with churches in Communion with us is yielding good dividends.