Nigerian Primate joins 37 other primates of the Anglican Communion in Canterbury------2002 Primates Meeting.

SECTION ONE

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), met on Tuesday, February 22, 2000 to elect a new primate for the Church, following the retirement of the Primate and Archbishop of Province I, the Most Revd. J. Abiodun Adetiloye. His successor, the new Primate, the Most Revd. Peter Jasper Akinola, saw the need for a new focus and, indeed, a vision for the Anglican Communion. As the holy Bible puts it in Proverbs 29: 18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish". He saw the beginning of his tenure as a timely opportunity to chart a new future for the Church. He believed that the process of charting this new future must involve the various hierarchies of the Church so that they, together, will evolve a shared vision. Primate Akinola therefore used the occasion of his presentation in Abuja on March 25, 2000 to flag off the process of articulating the vision for the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

The Anglican Communion today is organised into three provinces, namely Province I, Province II and Province III. It has 76 Dioceses and 76 Bishops. Most of the churches are located in urban settings with thousands of villages yet to be reached by the gospel of salvation. There is raw paganism and syncretism: Spirituality is shallow and many adherents pay little attention to Bible study, prayer and fasting. Although the Church has witnessed significant growth numerically, its Spiritual growth rate in recent times has significantly declined.

Consequently, the Church needs to work harder at, deepening the level of spirituality, and, commitment to sacrificial love as exemplified by Jesus Christ. Commitment to Christ and obedience to the biblical injunction is weak and conformity to the standard of the world has engulfed the Church at all levels. There is need for rediscovery of the principle of "the priesthood of all believers" (1st Peter 2: 9-10, Ephesians 3: 1-11). Presently, there is no sufficient lay involvement in the ministry of the Church. The present liturgical rigidity which borders on insensitivity is not helpful and there is insufficiency in the coordination of the conduct of church services to integrate prayers, hymns and singing of Psalms, the reading of the Bible and the preaching of the word. Church services therefore appear unexciting to the youths who, as a result, leave for the new generation churches.

The failure of the Church, national governance and society at large has led to a situation whereby Nigeria as a country is faced with such problems as lack of genuine unity, religious and ethnic conflicts, corruption, indiscipline, lack of exemplary leadership and moral decadence, among others. In the face of the foregoing challenges, the Church of Nigeria was provoked to set objectives and goals that will lift it on to a higher pedestal, and to design strategies and programmes that will lead to the attainment of the desired goal.

VISIONING PROCESS
Over four hundred participants drawn from Anglican churches all over the Federation of Nigeria took part in the visioning exercise assisted by facilitators drawn from those with experience in the visioning process. In fashioning out the vision, participants adopted the national visioning process whereby the following three issues were raised:

Where We Are
Where We Want to Be
How to Get There

The process of evolving the vision began with a sober, introspective appraisal of the Church. This was required in order to understand the current position and how the Church got there, before making prognoses for the future. Next, the question - "Where we want to be" was raised. This, essentially, is the vision as it defines the destination to be reached. Put another way, it charts out the future to which resources and efforts of the Church will be devoted. Lastly, the question "How do we get there?" Was raised to address how the ultimate goal can be attained.

At the first plenary session, participants were introduced to the concept of visioning: the how and the why in two key presentations made by the new Primate, the Most Rev. Peter Akinola and Chief Ernest Shonekan, a former Head of State and Chairman of Nigeria's Vision 2010 Committee. The presentations also dwelt, among others, on the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) today, the need for a vision for it and the visioning process that would be adopted.

The participants were then divided into work groups as follows:

House of Bishops
House of Clergy
House of Laity
Mothers' Union

The groups used the papers presented by the Primate and Chief Shonekan as background reference for discussion. Assisted by experienced facilitators, participants engaged in a brainstorm, directed at finding answers to the various issues that would bring out the vision of the Church and the strategy and programmes that would lead to the realisation of the vision. At the end of the brainstorm, the four work groups presented their reports to the plenary.

The whole house, sitting in plenary, decided to set up a committee to harmonise all the presentations and come up with a draft Vision for final consideration. An Editorial Committee met and gave guidelines to the Facilitators/Rapporteurs to be used to prepare the draft report for consideration by the Primate and the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria. The Standing Committee finally adopted this Vision of The Church of Nigeria after necessary consultations at Owerri on June 5, 2000.

 

SECTION TWO
WHERE WE ARE (THE PROVOCATION)
A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION, APRIL 2000

The Macro-Environment
The macro-environment within which the Church has to situate itself and establish its vision, strategies and programmes is assessed in the context of

The world
Africa
Nigeria
Christianity

The World
The world is fast becoming a global village through new-age technology. The Internet has made it possible for churches to reach out to people in far-flung areas of the globe within minutes. However, this development also poses serious challenge to the Church as satanic cults have infiltrated the Web, looking for prey on young, impressionable minds.

Africa
Diseases, famine, wars, environmental disasters, as well as economic and political instability have continuously beset the African continent. These have made development of the continent as a whole very slow and difficult. Against this backdrop, spreading the gospel requires a lot of time, manpower, financial resources and dedication, enough of which the Church of Nigeria does not seem to have at the moment

Nigeria
Nigeria is currently undergoing ethnic strife (which has hitherto been held in check by military governments), economic hardship which may lead people to seek non-biblical solutions to their problems, as well as religious conflict occasioned by the introduction of Sharia (Islamic) law in some Northern states. This portends serious threats to political/economic stability in the country. There are still beliefs, practices and customs, which deny women, men and children some basic fundamental human rights (e.g. certain widowhood rights, the Osu caste system, child labour).

Christianity
A lot of Christian denominations and sects have sprung up in recent times. This has led to the proliferation of churches, both inside and outside Nigeria. The new generation churches have evolved aggressive programmes in the form of outreaches, evangelical missions, music and other weapons, mostly targetted at youths, the suburbs and the rural areas, some of which had not heard the gospel of salvation. Economic hardship and "quest for quick solution and drama" have compelled many to seek succour in some of these churches or religious gatherings. The Anglican Church has to respond to these challenges in its determination to grow and win more souls to Christ.

Evangelism
The Church made reasonable success in the decade of evangelism. It however, failed to consolidate the gains. An introspective examination of the Church reveals the following prevailing situation:
Insecurity of evangelists, especially in the northern parts of the country:
Prohibition of open air crusades which hampers evangelism work.
Lack of prayer and other Christian books in local languages.
High level of illiteracy, which inhibits learning through reading.
The revision of Liturgy which is affecting the translation programme.
Not enough crusade and planting of churches in new areas.
Churches are located far apart, thereby discouraging attendance.
Lack of manpower.
Inadequate funding.
Inadequate understanding of other religions.
Insufficient distribution of tracts.
Lack of in-depth knowledge and teaching of the scripture.
Lack of effective follow up after crusades.

Anglican Spirituality
The commitment to Christ and obedience to the Biblical injunctions is weak. The Anglican Communion is weak in the Word of God, and more enthusiastic at prayer meetings but not so at Bible studies. The Church is not satisfied with the level of training of some of its priests and their wives, and they are not adequately committed and equipped to train the laity.

Unity
There is lack of true unity in Nigeria as a country. The Church also lacks unity in thought and in deed amongst its members and the larger Christian community. There is also inadequate communication and dialogue to resolve issues amongst the various hierarchies of the Church, the Christian community and members of other faiths.

A Caring Church
There is insufficient support, care and sharing within and outside the Church especially for those women, men and children who are discriminated against and/or denied basic human rights. Many Muslims who are converted to Christianity face;
Tribulations and threat of death
Withdrawal of support by family members
Social ostracisation
The Church of Nigeria has no programme for dealing with these problems.

Relationship with other Churches and faiths
The Anglican Communion is not playing its rightful role in relation to CCN, CAN, WCC or other Churches and organisations in Nigeria, Africa and, indeed, the rest of the world. There is:
A nonchalant attitude in our relations to interdenominational bodies
Ineffective central organisation to mobilise/organise/promote
A active participation in interdenominational activities
Lack of progress in the execution of the ecumenical centre
Ineffective leadership of CAN, CCN and some other interdenomi-national organisations

Politics
The Church has been complacent and often silent on socio-political matters of the nation and does not take firm and informed stand on these matters. There is evidence of tribalism, nepotism and favouritism in the Church as prevalent in the secular society.

Church Management and Administration
There are disputes and controversies which hamper the administrative work of the Church. The Church's bureaucratic stratification from Parish to Diocese sometimes affects the contributions and effective running of the Church. The decisions of the Church are often not effectively implemented.

 

SECTION THREE
WHERE WE WANT TO BE

THE VISION, GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE CHURCH
The Church has complete faith in the Almighty God and will go to where He leads. The Church will, during the vision period, strive to achieve numeric and spiritual growth and show greater care and love for the flock. The Church will strive to be more efficient and effective in the management of its resources, create a sound financial base for itself and be more tolerant in intra- and inter-religious affairs.
The Anglican Church shall be:
Spiritual
Dynamic
Responsible
United
Viable
Living
Caring
Loving
Relevant
Godly
Christ-Like
Reformed
Charismatic
Well ordered
Evangelical
Enterprising
Disciplined
Knowledgeable
Bible based
Growing
Faithful
Self-supporting

The following encapsulates the Vision of the Anglican Church:

Vision Statement

During the vision period
"The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) shall be; bible-based, spiritually dynamic, united, disciplined, self supporting, committed to pragmatic evangelism, social welfare and a Church that epitomizes the genuine love of Christ".

 

ELEMENTS OF THE VISION

The vision lays stress on spirituality, unity, evangelism, care, love and laying the foundation for enduring growth. Some of these key elements are highlighted below:

Evangelism
Evangelism is the transfer of the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and His goodness from one believer to another. This transfer takes place through preaching, Bible study, good neighbourliness, etc. Our Lord Jesus commanded us to "Go ye into all nations and make disciples of all men". Whosoever believes is saved. Evangelism is a key obligation of the Church and, indeed, all believers.

Spirituality
This relates to our level of awareness of God's sovereignty. One's level of God consciousness underscores one's attitude and relationship with God and man. All Christians must be devoted and must consistently seek the truth through prayer, meditation, continuous Bible study and devotion.

Unity
Unity is strength. When we are united like a broom, it is hard to break us. Unity can be cultured through love, dialogue, effective communication and respect for the views of others. The unity of the Church can translate to the unity of the nation.

Caring
The Anglican Communion is fundamentally a caring Church. When a neighbour is ill, we should care for him. When she is hungry, we should feed her. We should share food and other materials with those in need so that, like the widow of Nain, the Lord can replenish our resources. The Anglican Communion must commit itself to caring for one another within the Church as well as others in Nigeria and the world at large.

Relationships with other faiths
The Anglican Church is a welcoming Church. Ours is a democratic as well as a dynamic organisation. We preach Christ risen and ascended. We allow His love in us to flow and reach out to our brethren who may ultimately become co-adherents. The members of the Anglican Church are committed to establishing mutual co-operation with members of other faiths and religions. In this way, we can achieve the goals of winning more people to Christ and evolving a society that is just, caring, equitable, and one in which all can live in peace and true love.

 

ELABORATION OF THE VISION IN KEY AREAS

EVANGELISM
The Church will seek to achieve improvement of its communication channels, enthrone detribalised thinking and actions by members and show genuine love for one another. Members must share the Church's vision with its leadership and strive to remove politics from Church affairs.

The Church will also embark on a more vigorous translation of the prayer and other Christian books into local languages and have more literacy classes to produce members who will benefit from the translations.

All adult members of the Church shall be required to take part in active evangelism and engage in more frequent outreaches, crusades and revivals, which will be closely monitored and supervised by the Church. The Church shall increase/restructure its schools, hospitals and vocational centres to promote evangelism. It shall aim to plant churches in locations - following the population as it moves and not waiting until permanent structures are established. The Church shall encourage active daily prayers and Bible reading in each home led by the head of the family.
The Church shall:
Set up a theological/spirituality committee to work out general
guidelines for teaching on those areas where the church is lacking (Bible study, praying, fasting, tithing).

Ensure that every diocese, parish implements and effectively moni-
tors the national programme

Identify, recruit, train and send out full time itinerant evangelists
into every parish and every diocese. They must have goal of how many churches they have to plant in a given period.

African dioceses need the help of the Church of Nigeria. It is our responsibility to look after them in every possible way we can.
It is pertinent to observe that the way and manner some of our leaders go about, begging for foreign aid, is disgraceful. The method used in collecting some of the money to help the "poor in badly impoverished Africa churches" is ungodly. Therefore, the Church of Nigeria will work out a programme for self-reliance.
The Church shall, as a matter of urgency, take its rightful place in the ecumenical community, both in and outside Nigeria to promote God's work.

UNITY
To attain the goal of unity there has to be improvement in communication among members, detribalised thinking and taking actions that are purely objective and in the interest of the Church.
There will be:
Genuine love for one another
Removal of ungodly party politics from the Church, and
Sharing of the Church's vision with the leadership

SPIRITUALITY
The Communion shall grow in spirituality and in the knowledge of the Bible and Christian learning. The methodology of Bible studies would be improved, better qualified leaders, both spiritually and academically, would be made to lead Bible studies, employing socratic system of study which is participatory. Bible study and prayer meetings will be merged to encourage greater participation and all members, not merely youths and women, shall participate in Bible study. All priests shall lead by example, exhibiting, indeed, exuding apparent Christ-like qualities.
It is expected that
Male members of the Church shall emulate the women who serve through various organisations
Sermons shall be more vibrant and moving to sustain the interest of members
Priests and their wives as well as the laity shall be better trained

A CARING CHURCH
The Church (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) shall:
Demand of every child of God a caring attitude.
Support and care for those who face tribulation as a result of being converted to Christianity.
Develop a nationwide programme within the Church to provide
support and care for those who deserve it.
Provide caring and neighbourly fellowship and financial support,
especially for poor converts.
Tackle the issue of abandonment by friends and family, and under-
take to provide decent burial for those having no persons to bury them. The Church shall provide legal support to enforce constitutional right to freedom of worship and adequately publicise and educate Nigerians on the difficulties faced by converts in the northern parts of the country. The CNMS shall be restructured and provided with legal and social units to enhance its work. The Church shall evolve a sound and workable policy on a holistic proclamation of the gospel that provides for the care of the widows, widowers, the homeless, the jobless, the deprived, and the prisoner. The Church shall also look after African dioceses in every possible way, as its means shall dictate.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER FAITHS
The Anglican Communion shall
Claim its rights and be recognised in the community of churches
and other faiths.
Properly organise and fund a central organisation with a full time
General Secretary to enhance and promote interaction with other
churches and organisations.
Call for progress report (including statement of account) in respect
of the building of the Ecumenical Centre.
Support the aspirations of Anglicans to ascend to leadership posi-
tions of church organisations in Nigeria, West Africa, Africa and
indeed the world.
Take appropriate steps to see to it that the CCN is reorganised.

HEALTH CARE
The Anglican Communion will not only carry education to the people but will also bring health care to them to win new converts and check migration of members of the Anglican Church to other Churches and faiths.

The Church shall be involved in health care delivery through ownership of health clinics, hospitals, etc. to improve the health of its members and non members, bring more converts to the fold and check migration of members to other Churches or faiths.
Each district/diocese will begin to operate at least one health
institute within twelve months of the acceptance of this report.
Within five years each province must maintain a hospital with at
least thirty bed space.

EDUCATION
The Church is committed to the setting up of more secondary schools and the conversion of some institutions into full-fledged universities. Theological institutions will continue to be upgraded to universities or degree-awarding institutions.
Where possible there will be no diocese without at least five
primary schools and one secondary school.
There will be no diocese where illiterate members exist. All
members of any diocese will be able to read in, at least, one lan-
uage.
Each Province will establish quality vocational secondary
institutions including teacher training institutions where the workers will be well remunerated.

In summary and in line with the challenges of the Vision, the Church commits itself to the reduction or elimination of the myriad of problems now facing it. In this regard:

1. The leadership of the Church will move closer to God, leading the
people, even closer to God, where the people pray, have Bible study
Sessions, have retreats, vigils and witnessing as very well organised regular activities in the church.

2. The Church must be seen by the congregations as relevant because
it cares and shares.

3. The Church leadership must be experienced and attested to by the
congregation, as sensitive to it's spiritual and material needs.

4. There will exist open dialogue on all vexatious questions and regular
open reexamination of the ways and means whereby major decisions concerning the Church are made. This will be structured into the work of all Bishops.

5. The Church leadership must be avid students of the Bible, the social- economic situation of Nigeria and the world. The Church must be a melting pot of all Nigerians with clearly spelt out policy and practice that make all decisions in the church devoid of ethnic overtones.

6. For the purpose of mission and evangelism, translation may be effected after a period of ten years. Translation only to greener pastures will not be encouraged. It need be a matter of consent than compulsion.

7. Churches will have well established institutions that improve their
funding

8. Churches will have centers and neighbourhood cells where church
activities such as Bible reading, prayer groups and other activities relevant to problems of everyday living are examined by Parishioners.

9. Where possible there will be no Diocese without, at least, five
primary schools and one secondary school.

10. There will be no Diocese where illiterate members exist. All
members of any Diocese must be able to read at least one language.

11. The Church will establish small cottage industries specifically to
fund the aged, the sick and where the unemployed are encouraged to work and earn a livelihood.

12. Each province would have established quality vocational secondary
institutions and teacher training institutions as relevant to their selected areas. Teachers in such institutions shall be well remunerated.

13. The Church will maintain interest-yielding accounts outside the
country managed by experts

14. All clergy will be well remunerated and regularly paid.

15. Each District/Diocese will begin to operate, at least, one health
institution within twelve months of the acceptance of this report.

16. Within five years, each province must maintain a hospital with at
least thirty bed space.

17. Prisons, Remand Homes, Hospitals, women, Men and Youth
ministries shall be established or resuscitated in each Church.

18. Lay schools of theology and viable colleges shall be established for
the training of the laity.

 

SECTION FOUR

HOW TO GET THERE
The Vision, goals and aspirations of the Church can only be achieved through total commitment and dedication. The Church shall be open to new ideas and learning from others without losing its identity and its root in evangelical Biblicity. The Church will achieve its goal by
Recognising and applying ministry gifts e.g. prayer, fasting,
deliverance, healing, witnessing etc.

Recognising evangelism gifts and applying the ministry through
Crusade, Revivals, Church Planting etc.

Employing and empowering evangelists, being a mission oriented
church, which encourages instruments of mission such as CCN,
Bible Society, Women's Ministries, Youth Ministries etc.

Establishing Prayer Ministry Groups in the church and emphasising
training in the ministry of prayer and spirituality e.g. each Diocese having a Spirituality/Prayer ministry team, publishing prayer bulletins and having Night Vigils.

Reorientation in the method and content of ministerial training
programme.

Recognise the people's gifts, talents and training and put them to
effective use for the gospel through the church-e.g... Finance Management, Personnel Management, Ministry Gifts, Medical Education etc.

The Church shall have its own projects and fund generating
programmes towards self-reliance and to generate funds for missions and ministry. Here the gifts of the laity shall be emphasized. The church shall encourage family ministry/care groups and give greater emphasis to youth and women ministries.

Transformation
There will be transformation of structures with a view to encouraging emphasis on mission and ministry. The Church will update itself on modern technology and install computers in all Church Headquarters with internet linked with Primate/Church of Nigeria Office. The Clergy and the Bishops will be trained to operate the system. A world wide web will be installed and both the laity and clergy will be encouraged to contribute to it. The coordination will be at the three Provincial Headquarters. There will be emphasis on grass-root evangelisation; Teaching and disciplining of members, social involvement and organisation of seminars for the leadership of the Church, especially on social issues. The Church shall build bridges by having dialogue with other faith leaders (Moslem) on burning issues.

 

SECTION FIVE

PROGRAMME OF ACTION
The Church of Nigeria shall
Identify, recruit, and send out full time itinerant evangelists into every parish in every diocese. They must have goals of the number of churches they have to plant within a given period. The evangelists shall be well remunerated.

Build and properly manage an Anglican Retreat Centre of 100-bedroom in Abuja, Badagry and Onitsha.
Build, furnish and fully equip a functional Secretariat in Abuja for efficient administration of the affairs of the Church.
Build a 30 - room Church Guest House in Abuja (land is already available for the purpose)
Build lock-up shops in prime areas as a means to raise funds.
Ensure that the CSS Bookshop and the Bookshop House are profitably run and that they pay dividend regularly to the Church.
Look out for a viable investment portfolio in the U.K. and put in about one million pounds by 2002. This will pay for the entire cost of Lambeth 2008, and subsequent overseas conferences and other international financial obligations.

 

PROGRAMME OF ACTION
[Based on SMART principle - Specific, Measurable Actionable, Realistic and Time bound]

1. Build a 30 room Guest House in Abuja
CHONACO: 18 months

2. Construction of 100-bedroom Ang. Retreat Centres in Abuja, Badagry & Port - Harcourt Eminent Anglican Resource group: 3 years

3. Build, furnish and fully equip a functional Secretariat for the Church of Nigeria
Eminent Anglican Resource group: 2 years

4. Invest 1 million pounds in U.K. etc.
Eminent Anglican Resource group: 2 years

5. Recruit, train and send out full time itinerant evangelists
Every Diocese House of Bishops/CNMS: Immediate/Continuous

6. Translation of the Prayer and other Committee Christian Books Liturgical
Eminent Anglican Resource group: Immediate/ Continuous

7. Training of priests and their wives
Every Parish/Diocese: Immediate/Continuous

8. Establish a welfare programme for the underprivileged
The Church of Nigeria/EveryDiocese: Immediate/Continuous

9. Raise 3000 Eminent Anglicans to raise funds for the church.
The Primate

10. Plant churches in new areas
EARG All Dioceses/Parish CNMS: One year/Immediate/Continuous

11. Set up legal support team to enforce constitutional right and freedom of worship
The Primate: One year

12. Organise and fund a central Organisation to promote interaction with other churches
House of Bishops: One year

13. Appoint a General Secretary to head the central organization
The Primate: One year

14. Set up universities
The Church of Nigeria: Immediate/ Continuous

15. Set up secondary schools
Dioceses/Parishes

16. Establish Health Clinics and Hospital

17. Construct Lock-Up shops to raise funds
Parishes: 5 years

18. Propose reorganisation of CCN, etc.
The Primate: 1 year

19. Set up various implementationcommittees
The Primate: 1 year

20. Run adult literacy classes
Parishes: Continuous

21. Computerise and provide internetservices
The Primate/ Dioceses: Continuous

22. Set up cottage industries
Parishes: 5 years

23. Set up colleges of Theology/ Universities
The Church of Nigeria: 2 years

FINANCING THE ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMMES OF THE CHURCH
The way and manner some leaders of the Church go a begging for foreign aids is disgraceful. The method used in collecting some of the money to help the "poor badly impoverished African Churches" is ungodly. The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) must work out a programme of self reliance. Aid programmes must be coordinated.

The Church shall therefore raise a minimum of 3,000 committed Eminent Anglicans into a Resource Group, to lift up the burden of fund raising from the Bishops. The Resource Group is to be autonomous but responsible to the Primate/Standing Committee.

In addition to the income generating activities and the other sources specified above, the Church expects more tithing from members whether rich or poor. It is a scriptural injunction (Malachi 3: 10). Nothing is too great and nothing too small.

 

SECTION SIX

INSTITUTIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE VISION AND THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR COMMITTEES
The following Committees are to be established to enhance the implementation of its Vision:

1. Peace and Justice Committee
2. Committee on Youth Ministry
3. Finance/Investment Committee
4. Theological and Doctrinal Committee
5. Committee on Ecumenical Relations
6. Committee on Global Inter-Anglican Relations
7. Mission and Evangelism, Monitoring and Statistics Committee
8. Committee of Reference
9. Liturgical, Prayer and Spirituality Committee
10. Social Welfare Committee
11. Committee on Women's Work
12. Vision Implementation and Monitoring Committee

In addition to the above, a Communication Officer shall be appointed to strengthen communication and publicity within and outside the Church. The officer shall promote and ensure adequate communication/publicity of the activities of the Church of Nigeria in the print and electronic [including e - mail and internet] media.

Some of the committees shall be transformed to departments, while more institutions may be established as circumstances demand.
Below are the Terms of Reference for the various Committees:

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES.

1. PEACE AND JUSTICE COMMISSION:
The Committee shall enquire into all aspects of conflict situations in the body of the Church both within the Church and between the Church and others who may not be members of the Church.

The Commission shall take steps, as far as possible, to prevent or pre-empt the precipitation of conflicts.

The Commission shall educate Church members on the United Nations' Declarations on Fundamental Human Rights, Women's Rights, and the Rights of Children, as well as the Organisation of Africa's Charter on Human and People's Rights, using appropriate text and audio-visual/audio aids.

The Commission shall recommend appropriate and prompt actions for the Church to take in all cases of conflicts be they, economic, environmental, social and other forms of injustice, regardless of who the victims are; ensuring in all cases just and timely resolutions.

2. COMMITTEE ON YOUTH MINISTRY:
The Committee would be responsible for youth development policies and programmes that will guide Youths in the Anglican fold. It will deal with social and spiritual matters and encourage youths to take active part in spiritual matters, prayer, fasting and other activities of the Church.

3. FINANCE/INVESTMENT COMMITTEE:
The Committee shall seek ways and means to make the Church of Nigeria self-financing within the next 3-5 years. To this end a 3000 man Anglican Resource Group is being established to jump-start the process. The Committee shall explore opportunities for fruitful investment both inside and outside the Country to enhance the financial position of the Church. The Committee working with the Board of Trustees of EARG shall:

i. Outline the financial objectives of the Church.
ii. Consider ways and means of achieving such objectives.
iii. Raise voluntary levies to augment the financial resource
of the Church and;
iv. Invest the funds of the Church in Blue chip Companies
and in other ventures such as in real estate, both in Nigeria and abroad to raise funds for the Church.

4. THEOLOGICAL AND DOCTRINAL COMMITTEE
A. The Committee shall reflect on theological and contextual issues
that affect the life, the mission and the teachings of the Church.

B. It shall encourage overall Theological and Doctrinal Education and
soundness in general and the Clergy in particular.
C. It shall encourage and research into continuing Theological Spiritual
and Doctrinal formation for the Clergy as well as the Laity. The Committee shall also ensure currency and steady development of priests.

D. It shall reflect on cultural issues with a view to providing balanced
Biblical guidelines for Christian life in relation to challenges on society's cultural questions.
E. It shall promote lay participation in all aspects of the life of the
Church and encourage improvement of spiritual growth of the members of the Church.

The Committee may set up Sub-Committees to deal with any aspect of its responsibilities.

5. COMMITTEE ON ECUMENISM AND INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE:
The Committee shall:

A. Guide the Anglican Communion's relationship with other Christian
Churches.

B. Encourage effective Anglican participation in the activities and
leadership of such bodies as CCN, CAN etc.

6. COMMITTEE ON GLOBAL INTER-ANGLICAN RELATIONS:
The Committee shall inform, advise, guide and facilitate Church of Nigeria's participation in such world-wide inter-Anglican bodies such as, Anglican consultative council; Lambeth Conference, Anglican South-South encounter; CAPA, etc.

The Committee will also work to facilitate the coordination of activities of the Church. It will encourage fellowship, development of new Churches and promote an efficient resource sharing. It will provide a framework for mutual exchange of personnel and ideas for the growth of the Anglican Church.

7. MISSION AND EVANGELISM MONITORING COMMITTEE
A. Shall encourage the Dioceses to recognise the ministry of evangelism
in the Anglican Church and facilitate rather than discourage the work of evangelists.

B. Educate, and reawaken the Dioceses on the whole area of mission
and evangelism.

C. Enable the Church of Nigeria to continue prioritising evangelism
practically and financially as the supreme task given to the Church
by our risen Lord.

D. Encourage holistic approach to evangelism.

E. Where practicable, encourage an ecumenical approach to
evangelism, run seminars and writing workshops to encourage the generation of literature on evangelism as well as the general education of the Church members on Mission.

F. Work closely with the Church of Nigeria Mission Society and guide
its vision and direction in relation to the overall vision of the Church.

8. COMMITTEE OF REFERENCE
It shall be the responsibility of the Committee to ensure that the operation of the Dioceses is in conformity with the doctrines and constitution of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

It shall vet Diocesan Constitutions to ensure that they conform to that of the Church.

9. LITURGICAL, PRAYER AND SPIRITUALITY COMMITTEE
The Committee shall:

i. Educate, resource and enable the Churches in the whole area of
liturgy and worship.

ii. Run seminars and workshops on how to lead and make worship
truly inspiring.

iii. Explore ways of making our worship contextually and culturally
contemporary, evangelistic, and creative without losing the Anglican ethos.

iv. Explore the relationship between worship and church music.

v. Encourage the formation of effective prayer groups and facilitate
the practice of praying in our churches.

vi. Encourage overall spiritual growth of members through biblical
teaching and studies and the production of Bible study outlines and Sunday School materials.

vii Encourage the establishment of the Ministries of Counselling,
Healing and Deliverance and Visitation.

10. SOCIAL WELFARE COMMITTEE
1. The committee shall be responsible for caring, health, youth
evangelism and education programme of the church. In this regard the Committee

i. Shall fashion out policies and programmes and the
modalities for health care delivery to members and non-members of the Anglican Communion; and in the process to win new converts, new souls and control migration of members to other Churches or faiths.

ii Shall establish health clinics and hospitals to take care of
the health needs of the Church and other members of the society. Such facilities shall provide avenues for evangelism, hospitals, etc. throughout the Dioceses/parishes to improve the health of members and bring more converts to our fold.

iii. Provide a framework for giving succour to the helpless
including new converts who are abandoned by their people.

iv. Assist the widows, widowers, destitutes, poverty stricken
and homeless as well as nomads to find succour in the Church, especially in times of need.

2. The Committee shall also be responsible for teaching Anglicans,
both young and old, what they need to know about the doctrine of the Anglican Communion.
ii. It shall ensure that Nursery, Primary, Secondary and
Tertiary institutions are provided for the Anglican Church. Supervisors shall be put in place to monitor teaching and learning in these institutions.

iii. It shall be part of the joint Education Standards Agency in
Dioceses to make the Church combat ready in the event of the Government asking the Church to take over the Anglican schools that were previously taken over by government.
iv. It shall work out strategies for staff development at all levels
to ensure that our teachers are current.

v. It shall ensure periodic evaluation of human and material
resources to avoid waste of any kind.

vi. It shall be their duty to review salaries of workers and fees
payable by pupils/students as and when necessary.

vii It shall prepare the Anglican position on national issues
pertaining to education and health.

The Committee shall perform its tasks through sub-committees each of which will deal with the one of the key components such as health, education, youth, evangelism, etc.

11. COMMITTEE ON WOMEN'S WORK:
It shall be the duty of the Committee to

i Examine the different roles of women in the Anglican
Church and encourage them to give their best.

ii Watch out for ways of involving the girls in Girls Brigade,
Girls Guides and Girls' Guild movements and ensuring proper training of their leaders for a multiplier effect.

iii Train women to become better mothers for proper
upbringing of children who are the Church of tomorrow

iv Enhance the role of women in the Church.

12. VISION IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
COMMITTEE:
The team to be headed by the Primate with members drawn from the various hierarchies of the Church shall oversee the work of the various bodies set up in pursuit of the Vision. The Team
shall:
i. See to the effective implementation of various aspects of
the Vision by those concerned.
ii. Collate and appraise information on the implementation
of projects and programmes.
iii. Design a progress reporting format for measuring progress
on programme implementation.
iv. Disseminate information gathered on implementation.
v. Be proactive in resolving implementation problems.
vi. Review implementation strategies and consider new
programmes.
vii. Review sources of funds and their effective management.
viii. Decide on the appropriate time to review the vision, its
strategy and programmes.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
A. HOUSE OF BISHOPS

NAMES OF BISHOPS DIOCESES

1. The Most Revd. P. J. Akinola
Archbishop of Province III Metropolitan, Primate of the Church of Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja.
2. The Most Revd. J.A. Onyemelukwe
Archbishop of Province II, Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Bishop on the Niger.
3. The Most Revd. E.A. Ademowo
Archbishop of Province I and Bishop of Lagos.
4. The Rt. Revd. R.N.C. Nwosu Bishop of Asaba
5. The Rt. Revd. E. B. Gbonigi Bishop of Akure
6. The Rt. Revd. E. O. I. Ogundana Bishop of Remo
7. The Rt Revd. Anikwenwa Bishop of Akwa
8. The Rt. Revd. A. O. Iwuagwu Bishop of Aba
9. The Rt. Revd. Fagbemi Bishop of Osun
10. The Rt. Revd. J. Idowu-Fearon Bishop of Kaduna
11. The Rt. Revd. C. O. Efobi Bishop of Yola
12. The Rt. Revd. J. S. Kwasu Bishop of Katsina
13. The Rt. Revd. E. O. Chukwuma Bishop of Enugu
14. The Rt. Revd. E. K. Mani Bishop of Maiduguri
15. The Rt. Revd. E. Diya Bishop of Kafanchan
16. The Rt. Revd. E. E. Nglass Bishop of Uyo
17. The Rt. Revd. T. I. O. Bolaji Bishop of Yewa
18. The Rt. Revd. G. B. Oloniyo Bishop of Ife
19. The Rt. Revd. Nathaniel Yisa Bishop of Minna
20. The Rt. Revd. N.N. Inyom Bishop of Makurdi
21. The Rt. Revd. Nathaniel Enuku Bishop of Warri
22. The Rt. Revd. P. A. Adebiyi Bishop of Lagos West
23. The Rt. Revd. A. A. Agbaje Bishop of Sabongidda-Ora
24. The Rt. Revd. Alfred Nwaizuzu Bishop of Okigwe-North
25. The Rt. Revd. Benneth Okoro Bishop of Orlu
26. The Rt. Revd. Ugochukwu U. Ezuoke Bishop of Umuahia
27. The Rt. Revd. Obinya Bishop of Ukwa
28. The Rt. Revd. Jonah Ilonuba Bishop of Nsukka
29. The Rt. Revd. George Bako Bishop of Lokoja
30. The Rt. Revd. J. Akin Omoyajowo Bishop of Ijebu
31. The Rt. Revd. Owadayo Bishop of Egba
32. The Rt. Revd. J.O. Fabuluje Bishop of Kwara
33. The Rt. Revd. Peter Onekpe Bishop of Benin
34. The Rt. Revd. S. O. Oyelade Bishop of Kabba
35. The Rt. Revd. G. I. N. Okpala Bishop of Nnewi
36. The Rt. Revd. E. U. Iheagwam Bishop of Egbu
37. The Rt. Revd. Gabriel H. Pepple Bishop of Niger Delta
38. The Rt. Revd. E. E. Akanya Bishop of Kebbi
39. The Rt. Revd. Yusufu I. Lumu Bishop of Dutse
40. The Rt. Revd. D. A. Yisa Bishop of Damaturu
41. The Rt. Revd. T. Samari Aduda Bishop of Gwagwalada
42. The Rt. Revd. Ityobee Ugede Bishop of Otukpo
43. The Rt. Revd. S. A. Abe Bishop of Ekiti
44. The Rt. Revd. Zakka L. Nyam Bishop of Kano
45. The Rt. Revd. J. O. Akinfenwa Bishop of Sokoto
46. The Rt. Revd. Ali B. Lamido Bishop of Wusasa
47. The Rt. Revd. Benson Onyeibo Bishop of Abakaliki
48. The Rt. Revd. V. O. Muoghereh Bishop of Ughelli
49. The Rt. Revd. L. Ereaku Bishop of Bauchi
50. The Rt. Revd. Segun Okubadejo Bishop of Ibadan North
51. The Rt. Revd. Tunji Lasebikan Bishop of Offa
52. The Rt. Revd. Gabriel Akinbiyi Bishop of Owerri
53. The Rt. Revd. Cyril Okorocha Bishop of Owerri
54. The Rt. Revd. J. O. Arulefela Bishop of Ikale-Ilaje
55. The Rt. Revd. Godson Echefu Bishop of Ideato
56. The Rt. Revd. Olu Akinyemi Bishop of Igbomina
57. The Rt. Revd. Amos Madu Bishop of Oji-River
58. The Rt. Revd. Jacob Ajetunmobi Bishop of Ibadan-South
59. The Rt. Revd. Bright Ogu Bishop of Mbaise
60. The Rt. Revd. Caleb A. Maduoma Bishop of Okigwe-South
61. Rt. Revd. Olubayo Obijole Bishop of Akoko
62. Rt. Revd. Samuel Oke Bishop of Ekiti-West
63. Rt. Revd. Adolphus Ambabebe Bishop of Niger Delta West
64. Rt. Revd. Babatunde Adeleye Bishop of Calabar
65. Rt. Revd. Simon Bala Bishop of Gusau
66. Rt. Revd. Henry Ndukuba Bishop of Gombe
67. Rt. Revd. Miller Maza Bishop of Lafia
68. Rt. Revd. Jonah Kolo Bishop of Bida
69. Rt. Revd. Jonathan Edewor Bishop of Oleh
70. Vacant Bishop of Owo
71. Vacant Bishop of Oke-Osun
72. Vacant Bishop of Jalingo
73. Vacant Bishop of Niger Delta North
74. Vacant Bishop of Ilesa
75. Vacant Bishop of Ibadan
Grace Alele-Williams Facilitator

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
B. HOUSE OF CLERGY

1. Ven. S. S. O. Sodipe Lagos
2. Very Rev. D. C. Okeke On the Niger
3. Very Rev. B. A. Obuoforido Niger Delta
4. Very Rev. M. A. A. Osunade Ibadan
5. Ven. A. O. Adewakun Ondo
6. Ven. Alex O. Osuagwu Kaduna
7. Rev. J. B. C. Njoku Owerri
8. Ven. G. O. Umukoro Benin
9. Very Rev. G. K. Falusi Ekiti
10. Very Rev. Chike Nwizu Enugu
11. Very Rev. S. A. Adefila Kwara
12. Ven. Isaac O. Olajubu Ilesa
13. Very Rev. J. A. Popoola Egba
14. Ven. M. D. Dare Ijebu
15. Ven. D. N. Emordi Asaba
16. Ven. A. Akin Omole Kano
17. Rev. Canon G. E. Choji Jos
18. Very Rev. S. U. Erivwo Warri
19. Very Rev. A. O. Akinlalu Akoko
20. Very Rev. S. S. Olayanju Owo
21. Ven. J. O. Olusaga Akure
22. Very Rev. S. O. Sowale Remo
23. Rev. F. Nnamdi Chukwukere Orlu
24. Ven. Nelson Iwenofu Awka
25. Very Rev. J. O. Fasipe Osun
26. Rev. Canon James Adebayo Abuja
27. Rev. Canon Emman S. Egbuuu Minna
28. Rev. Clement D. Auta Kafanchan
29. Rev. Canon B. B. Avong Katsina
30. Rev. Canon Richard Crankson Makurdi
31. Ven. Yahaya Magagi Maiduguri
32. Very Rev. S. O. Adekunle Yewa
33. Ven. S. O. Ogunro Ife
34. Ven. Shed. N. Adiele Uyo
35. Ven. Jonathan C. Akubueze Mbaise
36. Very Rev. Emman Oladipo Oke-Osun
37. Ven. M. E. Odina Sabongidda-Ora
38. Ven. E. E. Obilo Okigwe North
39. Rev. Collins A. Igwe Okigwe South
40. Ven. Friday O. Nwadiche Ukwa
41. Very Rev. N. E. Ajayi Lokoja
42. Very Rev. J. E. Ogunele Ikale/Ilaje
43. Rev. S. Adegboye Kabba
44. Rev. Canon E. C. Nnoli Nnewi
45. Ven. Edmund C. Ogwo Niger Delta North
46. Ven. L. A. Gwazala Kebbi
47. Rev. Yusuf U. Gwamna Dutse
48. Rev. Canon F. C. Ilodibe Jalingo
49. Rev. Canon Joel Ayuba Wusasa
50. Ven. J. D. J. Onyereri Abakaliki
51. Very Rev. M. E. Dadi Ughelli
52. Very Rev. S. O. Amusan Ibadan North
53. Ven. T. C. Esomchi Oji River
54. Rev. C. A. Odu Ideato
55. Rev. 'Tunji Okeowo Offa
56. Very Rev. M. O. Ogbonnewo Igbomina
57. Ven. 'Segun Adeyemi Lagos West
58. Ven. Peter Dambo Gusau
59. Rev. Canon H. Mbieremchukwu Gwagwalada
60. Ven. M. C. I. Abigo Niger Delta West
61. Ven. J. B. Utomakili Oleh
Fola Adeola Facilitator

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
C. HOUSE OF LAITY

1. Hon. Justice Uche Omo - Chairman
2. Hon. Justice A. G. Kabiri-Whyte
3. Hon. Justice A. O. Ejiwunmi
4. Hon. Justice Titilola Mabogunje
5. Chief (Mrs) O. A. Wilde
6. Sir. Giwa Amu
7. Lady Dr. Yinka Ogunlade (Ondo)
8. Barrister Nwibe Chidi (Gombe)
9. Barrister Nonso Enwezor (Bauchi)
10. Hon. Chief E. O. Olaoye (Ibadan)
11. Chief E. O. Agagu (Ikale-Ilaje)
12. Adamu Baikie (Wusasa)
13. Nanko C. Dawarga (Jalingo)
14. Adebowale Oluwatosin (Abuja)
15. Sir Bon Nwakanma SAN (Mbaise)
16. Barrister (Mrs) Dupe Olomolehin (Owo)
17. Hon. Silas A. Ilo (Oji River)
18. Timothy I. Jiya (Bida)
19. Hon. Justice B. O. Ogunade (Lagos West)
20. Barrister Irmiya I. Kantiok (Kafanchan)
21. Chief E.A. Oshe SAN, (Kabba)
22. L. O. Sanyaolu Esq. (Maiduguri)
23. A. N. Yisa Esq. (Minna)
24. Hon. Justice Akinola Aguda
25. Dr. Ilochi A. Okafor SAN - (Rapporteur)
26. Hon. Justice (Sir) Chidozie Olike
27. Hon. Justice E. C. Ubaezuonu
28. Chief Eman C. Akwiwu SAN (Orlu)
29. Chief G. A. Graham-Douglas SAN (Niger Delta)
30. Hon. Justice B. A. Njemanzi (Egbu)
31. N. Nwanodi, Esq. (Niger Delta North)
32. T. Okara, Esq. (Niger Delta West)
33. Sir. Innocent Oguaju-Dike (Orlu)
34. Chief P. C. Obichigha (Yola)
35. Dr. R. U. Okolo (Sokoto)
36. Hon. Justice B. A. Ogunlesi-Adio (Remo)
37. Hon. Justice Olajide Olatawura (Ekiti)
38. Hon. Justice T. A. Oyeyipo (Kwara)
39. Lady Ime Essien Udom (Uyo)
40. Sir/Dr. A. I. Opaigbeogu (Umuahia)
41. Chief/Sir S. N. Ibezim (Okigwe North)
42. Hon. A. Olu Ogidan (Akoko)
43. Anthony I. Ani Esq. (Enugu)
44. Hon. D. A. Borisade (Ekiti West)
45. Chief S. O. Adekunle (Kaduna)
46. Ekesi Emmanuel (Dutse)
47. Justice O. Okeyode Adesina (Ibadan North)
48. Prince Soji Oyebadejo (Ife)
49. Tayo Falode Esq. (Egba)
50. L. S. Olaifa (Ekiti West)
51. Mrs. J. A. Ajayi (Oke-Osun)
52. G. G. C. Ekeobe (Okigwe South)
53. T. E. Debekeme (Benin)
54. Jonathan N. Madu (Kanu)
55. Chief T. A. Wuraola (Offa)
56. Chief Obiora Nzewi { Nsukka}
Moses Akpobasah - Facilitator/Rapporteur

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
D. MOTHERS' UNION

1. Mrs. O.T. Oke Bishop's Wife Ekiti West
2. Lady Dorcas Imasuen Marketing Unit Coordinator Sabongidda-Ora
3 . Mrs. O.O. Obijole Bishop's Wife Akoko
4. Mrs. J.U. Okpuno Delegate Abuja
5. Mrs. I.R. Ahirika Delegate Uyo
6. Chiemeha C. Nwizu Delegate Enugu
7. Chukwuma J.N. Bishop's Wife Enugu
8. Kwashi Rhoda H. Delegate Kaduna
9. Usman Comfort Delegate Kano
10. Kitchener Eunice Delegate Wusasa
11. Solomon R.J. Delegate Katsina
12. Mrs. C.A. Sonuga Delegate Lagos West
13. Mrs. C.O. Abioye Delegate Offa
14. Chief (Mrs) MM. lluron- Delegate Kabba
15. Ayodele Afolayan Delegate Igbomina
16. Akinlalu C. A. Delegate Akoko
17. Mrs. P.D. Ogunlowo Delegate Ibadan North
18. Omoyajowo A. A. Bishop's Wife Ijebu
19. Soyannwo Y.O. Delegate Lagos
20. Mpi Gloria C. Delegate Niger Delta North
21. Mrs. M.A. Jaiyeoba Delegate Ekiti West
22. Mrs. F.N. Ogwo Delegate Niger Delta North
23. Lady Y.O. Nwachukwu Delegate Mbaise
24. Mrs. D.N. Odoemena Delegate Makurdi
25. Mrs. Rose Emezi Delegate Egbu
26. Mrs. M.B. Oyadiji Delegate Osun
27. Mrs. R.O. Akinbule Delegate Oke-Osun
28. Evang. Dr. A.N. Jaja Delegate Calabar
29. Nwangwu Lois U. Delegate Nnewi
30. Mrs. C.O. Ayanbode Delegate Egba
31. Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo Bishop's Wife Lagos
32. Dorothy A. Tunde-Adeleye Calabar
33. Rhoda N. Yisa Minna
34. Phoebe Yusufu Dutse
35. B.1. Udomaiye Sabongidda- Ora
36. R.O. Okoh Benin
37. Ikele Victoria O. On the Niger
38. Florence U. Abamara Ideato
39. Mrs. Loko Dangin
40. Mrs. G.O. Oladunjoye
41. Mrs. Comfort Fearon
42. Mrs. F. Folasade Fabuluje
43. Mrs. S. Olabanjo Fasogbon
44. Mrs. C. Adeflobi Adebiyi
45. Lady Egosonwa A. Okafor Mothers' Union
46. Mrs. Gloria Kwashi Mothers' Union
47. Mrs. Adela E. Nglass Mothers' Union
48. Mrs. B. O. Onyemelukwe Bishop's Wife
49. Mrs. Becky Nyom Bishop's Wife
50. Mrs. Mary Lamido Mothers' Union
51. Mrs. Talafu C. Bala Mothers' Union
52. Mrs. Theresa Kwasu Mothers' Union
53. Mrs. Sarah Nyarn Mothers' Union
54. Mrs. Stelia Ezuoke Mothers' Union
55. Mrs. Evelyn Echefu Mothers, Union
56. Mrs. Gladys Madu Mothers' Union
57. Mrs. Daisy Amabebe Mothers' Union
58. Mrs. L.G. Pepple Mothers' Union
59. Mrs. M.Y. Onekpe Mothers' Union
60. Mrs. M.O. Agbaje Mothers' Union
61. Mrs. Blessing C. Anikwenwa Mothers' Union
62. Mrs. Janet M. Koeo Mothers' Union
63. Mrs. Alice L. Yisa Diocesan President
64. Mrs. Angela Ndukuba Mothers' Union
65. Mrs. Dora A. Okon Mothers' Union
66. Mrs. Blessing E. Muoghereh Mothers' Union
67. Mrs. J.O. Abe Mothers Union
68. Mrs. Rose P. Mutum Mothers' Union
69. Mrs. J.A. Akinyemi Mothers' Union
70. Lady Eunice Mesigo Provincial Trainer 11
71. Dr. N.C. Okoric Unit Coordinator
72. Mrs. Victoria M. Nwando Lady Worker
73. Esther Bwaizum Diocesan President
74. Livina N. Amaesula Delegate
75. Sarah L. Mani (Mrs) Diocesan President
76. Grace W. Diya Diocesan President
77. Promise Okonkwo Delegate
78. Dora Aregbesola Delegate
79. Irechukwu Eugenia Delegate
80. Mrs. A. Adewole Delegate
81. Dorathy C. Wabara Delegate
82. Omotunde M.B. Delegate
82. Florence N. The (Lady) Delegate
83. Mrs. Orogbenfi B. A.
84. Mrs. E.O. Okeremi
85. Mrs. O.O.M. Adekunle
86. Dr. Bola Osunade
87. Mrs. F.A. Adewoyin
88. Mrs. Jade Ogunlade
89. Mrs. A.E. Oghotomo
90. Mrs. E.F. Adebayo
91. Dr. (Mrs) I.J. llokanuno Lolo Victoria Okali
92. Chief (Mrs) Funmi Ojo
93. Mrs. Ify Nebo
94. Mrs. Jane N. Ochei
95. Mrs. S.A. Akinola
96. Mrs. Pearl Okafor
97. Mrs. Beatrice Kattey
98. Mrs. Esther O. Nwosu
99. Mrs. Grace N. lwuagwu
100. Mrs. Abigail O. Oloniyo
101. Mrs. Alice E. Gbonigi
102. Mrs. Comfort Ogundana
103. Mrs. Victoria A. Obinya
104. Mrs. Jane N. Efobi
105. Mrs. Ngozi E. Ereaku
106. Mrs. Victoria O. Oyelade
107. Mrs. Julict T. Okubadejo
108. Mrs. Esther O. Lasebikan
109. Mrs. Stella
110. A. Akinbiyi
111. Mrs. Eunice O. Owadayo
112. Mrs. Elizabeth A. Ugede
113. Dr. Mrs. O. Ade Arulefela
114. Mrs. Onyinyachi Maduoma
115. Mrs. Caroline C. Ogu
116. Mrs. Roseline Ilonuba
117. Mrs. Adaku lheagwam
118. Mrs. Adejumoke O. Bako
119. Mrs. Bridget A. lyaye
120. Mrs. Florence U. Ekwunife
121. Mrs. Ngozi Nwolisa
122. Mrs. Christy Onyeibor
123. Mrs. Violet C. Okoye
124. Mrs. Victoria O. Omenuwoma
125. Mrs. E. Olabisi Awosoga
126. Mrs. Ibukunolu O. Awe
127. Mrs. Felicia Taiye Asaju

 

LIST OF RESOURCE PERSONS
SPECAL GUEST OF HONOUR

CHIEF ERNEST SHONEKAN: former Head of State and Chairman , Vision 2010 Committee

FACILITATORS

1. MOSES AKPOBASAH - Former Federal Director-General, Consultant/Technical Team Member, Vision 2010 Committee.

2. PROFESSOR GRACE ALELE-WILLIAM, Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Member, Vision 2010 Committee.

3. CHIEF FOLA ADEOLA - Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank, Member - Vision 2010 Committee.

4. DAYO ONIBILE - Editorial Consultant, Member - Technical Team, Vision 2010 Committee.

SECRETARIAT SUPPORT

1. REV. O. T. ADESOKAN

2. REV. JOHNSON ONUOHA

3. MISS. NGOZI OKONKWO

A BROAD OUTLINE OF A NEW VISION FOR THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA

INAUGURATION SPEECH DELIVERED BY MOST REVD PETER AKINOLA, PRIMATE OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA

THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA TODAY
- Three provinces
- 78 Dioceses/78 Bishops
- Mostly in urban setting with thousands of villages unreached by the gospel of salvation.
- Raw paganism/ Neo Paganism/Syncretism
- Shallow spirituality that pays little or no attention to Bible study/prayer and fasting
- Perhaps, due to lack of funds, many of our churches seem to havedone away with works of charity and caring for the needy.
- Real growth is very slow due to shortages in manpower /funds.Some have to literally beg and in very unhealthy way for money to survive.
- Bad as we may think our situation is, things are much worse in most other African countries
- Many of our members have become specialist in fomenting troubleand Petition writing. We dissipate much energy and resources on quarrels. We seem to have lost our calling to a life of holiness and love.

For a Better Future [Where We Would Like to Be]
I believe the time has come for us to take new steps forward in our religious journey, re-adjusting our focus and laying new emphasis on some specific areas of urgent need.

First is what I call sustainable Anglican Spirituality. We Anglicans are a wonderful people who are educated, blessed and comfortable Christians. We come to Church, pay our dues, partake in the Holy Communion and serve in various Church Committees. These we must continue to do and do even better. But, I have noticed that we are weak in our knowledge of the word of God, and in our prayer life.

The circumstances of our world make it imperative for the Church not only to be faithfully evangelical, but also to be deeply spiritual for our battle is against the principalities and powers of the dark places of our universe. The only effective weapons available to us are the word of God. It must become part of lifestyle. The Church needs prayer warriors in cells, in homes, in offices, in the markets, in the boardrooms, in the barracks. Let us be a prayerful people. I have experienced and I believe many of you have testimonies, those wonderful things happen when we pray.

Second is grassroots/rustic Evangelism: The gospel imperatives make it clear that you cannot really be calling yourself a follower of Christ - a Christian - unless you are ready in obedience to be his, it is not witness and live a life that is worthy of His name. The gospel of salvation we share and enjoy must now be taken to every cranny, nook and corner of Nigeria. I am not unaware of the personnel and financial constraints.

My third concern is that our Church must become once again a Caring Church. The needs are overwhelming and earnestly begging for solutions. Government alone cannot do it. Again, the Gospel imperatives compel us to care for the needy. In fact, part of the criteria to be used by the King in the last judgment is the way we have responded to our neighbours in need.

Four: Our relationship with the rest of the Church, in the world calls for an urgent review. And this will be from many fronts. We need to take a new look at how we relate to CAN, CN, Dioceses in other parts of Africa, South/South and, of course, the entire Anglican Communion.

Five: This leads me to point five, which is that there is a need for a robust and faithful stewardship. The answer to many of our Church and National problem lies in sheer hard work, dedication and transparent honesty on the part of us all. Africa can, if we so resolve, become self-reliant within five years.

The Church of Nigeria can, if we are all determined, become a self-financing Church within the next three years.

Proposed Action Plan [How to Get There]
- Set up a Theological/Spirituality Committee to work out general
guidelines for teaching on those areas we are lacking: Bible study, praying, fasting and tithing.
- Ensure that every Diocese, parish implements the national
programmme by effective monitoring.
- Identify, recruit, train and send out full time itinerant evangelists
into every parish in every diocese. They must have goals of how many churches they have to plant in a given period. They must be well paid.
- The gospel demands of every child of God a caring attitude.
- It is high time our Church evolves a sound, workable policy on
holistic proclamation of the gospel that provides for the care of the widows, widowers, the homeless, jobless, the deprived, the prisoners.
- African dioceses need our help. I believe it is our responsibility to
look after them in every possible way we can.
- We must, as a matter of utmost urgency take our rightful place in
the Ecumenical Community in this country.
- The way and manner some of our leaders go a begging for foreign
aids is disgraceful. The method used in collecting some of the money to help the "poor, badly impoverished African churches" is ungodly. Therefore, the Church of Nigeria has to work out a programme of self-reliance.

PROPOSALS [specific goals applying SMART principles]
i. Build a 30 - room Church Guest House in Abuja [We already
have land] 18 months
ii. Fully own the CSS Bookshop and Bookshop House.
Reorganise its management to be profit - oriented and make it pay Assessment to its proprietors
iii. Raise minimum of 3000 committed Eminent Anglicans into
a resource group, to lift the burden of fund raising from the bishops. The Resource Group is to be autonomous but responsible to the Primate/Standing Committee. We can reasonably expect some two to three hundred million Naira from the group in any given year.
iv. Look out for a viable investment portfolio in the UK and
put in one million pounds by 2002. This will pay the entire cost of Lambeth 2008.
v. Build Anglican Retreat Centre of 100- bedroom in Abuja,
Badagry, and Onitsha. Properly managed, these can give the Church over one hundred million a year when fully developed.
vi. Build, furnish and fully equip a functional secretariat in
Abuja for efficient administration.
vii. As soon as these proposals begin to bring in desired results,
the Church will be in a position to give subventions to the dioceses in need, but in order of merit. Dependence on payment of assessment would soon be a thing of the past.

Let us go to work. The LORD has promised to be with us, Amen.

With these points, and all that His Excellency, Chief E.A. Shonekan will share with us in a little while, I believe that we can now produce a reasonable vision and set appropriate goals for our Church.

I urge you to do some serious thinking and pray about the issues raised here. In our various groups there will be plenty of opportunity to debate, argue, add to or take away from our proposals. But let us realistically chart a new course of action for our Church. Let us produce a vision, goals and objectives that will strengthen the Church and help it achieve greater results.

At the end of the visioning exercise we may need to consider the possibility of setting up of some important committees. Think about this:
Conflict Resolution Committee
Youth Committee
Women Committee
Finance /Investment Committee
Theological /Spirituality Committee
Ecumenical Relations Committee
Anglican Communion World wide Committee
Inter Anglican Relations [Africa] Committee
South/South Encounter Committee
Mission and Evangelism Monitoring Group
Eminent Anglican Resource Group
Nigeria Dioceses Partnership Coordinating Unit
Reference Committee
Communiqu‚ Committee

 

+ Peter Abuja
Primate of All Nigeria
Address delivered at the meeting of The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Held In Abuja, 27 - 28 March, 2000 By Chief (Dr.) Ernest A. O. Shonekan, CBE

Your Eminence Peter Jasper Akinola by the Grace of God
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion),
Archbishop of Province 1 and 2,
Bishops, the Clergy and Laity of the Church,
My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

PREAMBLE
I want to begin by expressing my warm congratulations to Archbishop Peter Akinola, on your election as the Primate of the Church. There is no doubt in my mind that everything has gone as the Lord had purposed it. As our Lord Jesus Christ said, "The son of man goeth as it is written of him." Your election to this position in my view is in accordance with the plan of God and I know that the Lord that has elevated you to this position will continue to support and uphold you as you pilot the affairs of the Church.

The beginning of a new period, a new era or dispensation, is usually perceived as a turning point that provides us with the timely opportunity to reflect on the past and more importantly, dream lofty dreams that we can aspire to in the future. Put simply, the commencement of the tenure of Archbishop Akinola as the Primate of the Church represents a new beginning, a time for fresh dreams, new perspectives and ideas about where the Church should be in the future. This is characteristic of human nature and I whole heartedly subscribe to it.

The letter inviting me to this gathering stated and I quote, "..the Church of Nigeria under the new leadership is determined to have a new orientation and a new definite focus". Having listened to the sermon of the Primate yesterday and his address today, I am encouraged and particularly inspired by these words not necessarily because the achievements of the Church under the previous leadership were not remarkable. Rather, what they do symbolise is an attempt to cover new grounds and move the Church forward, such that when the end of the tenure of the Most Reverend Akinola shall come one day, we can all justifiably look back and be proud of what the Lord would have helped the Church to accomplish during his tenure. What we shall be doing today and tomorrow should precisely be situated within this context.

It was King Solomon in his wisdom (Proverbs 29:18) who said that "Where there is no vision, the people perish." A vision is therefore, important in the life of an institution, organisation, nation-state and individuals. Indeed, it is common knowledge that it has gained increasing popularity over the years across the world. Today, many nations including Nigeria, Malaysia, China, Ghana and Botswana, to mention just a few, have fashioned out national visions to guide their future development. In the corporate world, we cannot begin to mention organisations that have fashioned out visions to guide their future development. It must be understood however, that it is a common practice among forward-looking organisations. As an approach to management, visioning is therefore nothing new. Although, its recent popularity and increasing acceptance can be traced to the late 1980s and the early 1990s.

CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF A VISION
But what is a vision? A vision can be defined in many ways. One of my colleagues likened it to someone dreaming with his eyes open and his feet firmly on the ground. As for me I prefer to see it as an idea of a future that is superior and preferred to the present. In order to bring it closer home, a vision relates to where for instance, we want the Anglican Communion to be in Nigeria 10, 20 or 30 years from now. Obviously we would be looking forward to seeing a Church that is much better in many respects than what we have today. What is most important to bear in mind in discussing the idea of visioning is that the future state must be superior to the current one.

You will recall that for much of 1997, my humble self and several other distinguished personalities including our new Primate and probably some of the people gathered here today, were engrossed in the national task of fashioning out a vision for the future development of our country. We christened that Vision 2010, as it specifically relates to where we want our country to be by the year 2010 when she would be 50 years old as an independent nation. Nigeria's Vision 2010 covered all aspects of the country's national life and this is how it should be if all stakeholders must have something to relate with in a vision. Without this it is not unlikely that the vision may not be able to achieve its purpose. Simply put, a vision must be widely shared.

But why do we need a vision as an approach to managing an organisation, nation or institution? A vision is significant in the life of an individual, nation or organisation for at least three reasons. First, the vision sets a direction and provides inspiration for the people to mobilise resources toward the attainment of the defined end result. The vision must send a positive message across and seek to render conventional wisdom regarding what is possible or impossible as well as limitations inoperative, and inspire people to resolutely press ahead the chosen course.

Second, a vision is significant in so far as it helps to create a new consensus behind which people can unite. Every organisation or nation requires such a consensus given the diversity that characterises human nature.

Third, a vision plays the role that a compass plays for an ocean liner in that it helps the nation or organisation to establish its position and define the destination to be reached. You will agree with me that the Church in Nigeria today is at the critical juncture where we need to reflect on the past and current situation and ponder on the future that will open up before us. It is therefore, very apt and welcome that the new leadership of the church is starting off by fashioning out a vision for the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

VISIONING PROCESS
The process of fashioning out a vision as it has evolved, begins with a sober introspective look at the institution/organisation and in this case, the Church. It begins with the question - where are we? We had the primate enumerate where we are today (and why)? This is because we need to understand our current position and how we got there before we can make prognoses or assertions about the future. The past in this context cannot be altered, but we can learn lessons from it in order to shape the future. Next, we ask the question - where do we want to be? This in a nutshell, is the vision, which must of necessity be a superior position when related to the present position. The third and final question is how do we get there? In other words, how do we realise this vision? As all of us know, having the vision while being necessary is not sufficient to move the institution/organisation/nation forward. We must devise ways and means of realising the vision. In addition, efforts must be made to translate such ways and means into effectual plans and actions for the vision to be realised. This is what the third question seeks to answer.

From the foregoing, in fashioning out the vision for the Church during this 2-day meeting, it is expected that we will honestly and comprehensively ask and answer these questions. It is by so doing that we can come up with a realistic vision that will be widely shared by the entire membership of the Church. We are of course, privileged to have in our midst here today some of the people who served on the Vision 2010 Committee. They are to serve as facilitators and rappoteurs at this 2-day meeting. With their experience, I am hopeful that they will be able to guide their various groups appropriately.

A VISION FOR THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA
There is no denying that most Nigerians are very religious. What with the seeming proliferation of Churches and other places of worship particularly, in our urban areas today. What is perhaps difficult to comprehend is that in spite of this situation, the values, norms and standards of Nigerians by and large, are still not fully compatible teachings of the two Faiths - Christianity and Islam. For instance, it is no longer news to say that our core values have been eroded over time. Today the sanctity of human life is no longer what it used to be. The craze for wealth at all cost or what we derisively refer to as the 'get-rich-quick' syndrome has taken over. Many of us Nigerians have consciously or unconsciously forgotten part of the greatest commandment, which enjoins us to love our neighbour as ourselves. We are thus, no longer our brothers' keeper as it should be. I hold the view that the Church owes it a duty to inculcate appropriate values in the people.

What about unethical practices which seemed to have eaten deep into the moral fabric of the nation? Bribery and corruption in spite of the avowed commitment of the present administration to tackle them, are still widespread and the society has been less and less caring. Moral bankruptcy, indiscipline, dishonesty, fraud and forgeries as well as nepotism are still very much with us. We can go on and on. But what these problems signify is the fact that the Church still has a long way to go in our country, in developing people who will be counted worthy for the kingdom of God using the standard of God as established in the Holy Bible. We have now reached a stage where we really need a new orientation and focus if the church is to succeed in its primary mission in this respect.

While it must be understood that the vision we intend to develop here is entirely that of the leadership of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), I would like to take the opportunity of this occasion to table before you some of my thoughts regarding the future of the Church.

First, I am of the view that the Church needs to take a position and develop an action plan regarding the moral rebirth of Nigeria. I mentioned earlier that moral bankruptcy has become a major problem in Nigeria. A situation in which people kill and maim others in the bid to acquire material wealth is to say the least unacceptable. Nigeria is seen today as a country where anything goes - a nation where you can get anything so long as you are prepared to pay the price for it. This should not be allowed to continue. The Church must join hands with the government and other stakeholders to build and nurture members that are morally sound and would always be guided by the precepts of our Lord Jesus Christ. This of course, implies that we must place particular emphasis on the teaching of doctrines of our religion, such that people will always be guided in their activities by a sense of what is right or wrong or what is compatible with the tenets of their religion. Details of how the Church can achieve greater success in this area would need to be worked out as we fashion out the vision.

Next, I want to talk about inculcating the virtues of religious tolerance and building bridges of understanding across religions in our country. With the recent unfortunate developments in parts of our country still fresh in our memory, you will agree with me that in order for the Church to continue to be relevant in the 21st century Nigeria, we would need to focus attention on the issue of tolerance of adherents of other religions and vice versa. With the massive carnage, wanton destruction of lives and property that some miscreants perpetrated in the name of the God of peace (the Bible calls our Lord Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace), recently in parts of the country, it seems to me that there is something fundamentally wrong with our norms and values. But I believe we need to rise to the occasion before it deteriorates further. What secretarian strife can do is well known to us all. With the examples of the civil war in Lebanon and the continuing stand-off in Northern Ireland, we can least afford sectarian violence in Nigeria. What we need now is national unity; a nation that is at peace with itself irrespective of ethnic and religious differences among its people. How can the Church play a role in building and nurturing a spirit of tolerance and understanding? I expect that we will ponder over this as we attempt to develop the vision. The strength of our country is in its diversity and all religious bodies owe it a duty to work for the unity and peaceful co-existence of all groups in our country.

Part of the confidence building steps here could be for you to invite Islamic leaders to attend future sessions or even to address you on the controversial subject of Sharia. You will pleasantly discover that as you engage each other constructively, long held misconceptions and prejudices will gradually disappear giving room for more understanding. During our deliberations in the Vision 2010 Committee, one of the lessons I learned is that as we moved closer to each other, what we saw as our differences easily disappeared. We usually began our proceedings with an opening prayer from the Islamic and Christian faith. We also closed the session with prayer from the two. Throughout our deliberations, religion was not allowed to become a divisive issue that is now threatening the corporate existence of our county to its foundation - Your Eminence you are my witness.

What about evangelisation? The Christian is called to live a life that can serve as an example; albeit a challenge to others. Indeed, the Christian is called to actively witness to others so that they can become like him in spiritual regeneration. In the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 15, verse 16; the Lord Jesus Christ said, He had chosen us so that we might go and bear fruits and that our fruits will abide. Similarly, in all the Gospels, the Lord Jesus Christ before ascending to heaven after His resurrection charged His disciples to preach the Gospel across the Globe. What I am straining to establish here is that the Church needs to take a position on evangelisation in obedience to the charge of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is through this that we can enlarge the coast and bring more and more people into the fold. Individually and collectively, Christians of the Anglican faith would require a refocusing of efforts in this area, particularly since over 60 per cent of our population live in the rural area and are relatively poor. Consistent with the above, as the Church focuses on evangelisation and the membership increases, emphasis would also need to be placed on rebuilding and expanding physical structures.

When I talk about evangelisation, I also refer to focusing increasing attention on missionary work. It is known that not all parts of Nigeria have heard the gospel yet. Since we were also preached to before we became members of the Church, we need to intensify efforts at preaching to others across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. It will not be easy just as it was not easy for the early European missionaries, but it seems to me that it is a task that must be done. And as the Chinese proverb says, "the journey of 1000 years begins with a first step".

What about unity within the Anglican Church and love, two attributes the Bible makes reference to as being essential parts of our calling as Christians. In the words of Paul, the Apostle in I Corinthians 3:2, if we continue to emphasise things that divide us in the Church including ethnicity, it means we are still carnal. We are called to a life of unity in the faith. The Lord Jesus Christ prayed a prayer for unity in the Church in John 17:11, 21-23. Also in Psalm 133:1, the Bible talks about the beauty of unity. How wonderful it is, how pleasant for God's people to live together in harmony. In the run-off to the election of the Primate that took place a few weeks back, newspapers were replete with stories about embers of ethnic discord fanned by some members of the Church of Nigeria. It is time for the Church to look into this issue of unity in fashioning out a vision for the future. What about love, the agape type of love wherein we are enjoined to love our neighbour as ourselves. More than ever before, the Church needs to devise fresh means of inculcating this in its members. The attributes of this type of love are clearly stated in the holy Bible in I Corinthians 13:1-13. Whether or not it is true, it is widely believed today most Christians do not really display love to one another as the Bible requires of us.

I would also wish to talk about two areas where the Church needs to be active in this 21st century. These are Education and Healthcare delivery. During the last millennium, the missions played a significant role in educational development of our country. Many of us who went through missionary education can attest to its value and significance in our lives. The involvement of the Church in education can provide a good framework for inculcating very sound moral education in the student. This will help to develop and nurture the right type of future leadership in our country. Therefore, we need to examine the role of the Church in education at all levels in our country. This is ever more so now that establishment of Universities and other tertiary institutions of learning has been thrown open to organisations including the Church. What role can the Church of Nigeria play in Nigeria's education in this 21st century?

Defining this has in fact become necessary now given the situation in the educational sector. Standards have declined dramatically, and our values debased in the educational institutions. Students are now reported to be involved in armed robbery, examination malpractices and other forms of social vices including cult activities, killing and maiming colleagues and sexual harassment among others. The situation is rather depressing and I believe it is high time the Church devised a vision for this area.

The same is also true of healthcare delivery. Despite the strides that we may have recorded here as a nation, the fact remains that the vast majority of our people have no access to modern healthcare delivery. The Church played an active role in this area in the past and I believe this role will continue to be relevant in the years to come.

As part of the issues that should be considered in fashioning a vision for the Church, we need to examine the area of evaluation methods for the Church. Even though, the Church is the business of God, it has become increasingly clear over the years that we need to run it in a very professional manner such that performance measurement will be undertaken from time-to-time. This implies that targets must be set and performance measured or evaluated over a given period. This will give room for remedial actions to be taken where necessary. It will also further develop the leadership or managerial qualities of Church leaders. Details of how this can be done can also be discussed at this workshop.

In the training and development of leaders of the Church, we need a new vision. The Clergy is at the centre of the whole process of spiritual development of members. We need to devise ways of training leaders that would be able to teach people effectively. As all of us know, the place of teaching in the Church of God is of critical importance. It is through teaching combined with self-study of the Bible that people can develop a sense of what is right and acceptable. For the Church to make far reaching impact on the morals and in fact character of its members, the area of teaching needs to be relooked.

As it must have become obvious by now and as all of us know, the Church cannot accomplish any vision without the requisite financial resources. Therefore, I believe it is appropriate for us to also discuss here how to source and productively manage financial resources for the benefit of the Church. Over the years, there is no denying that the Church of Nigeria has done remarkably well in terms of raising money for its activities. But we cannot afford to be complacent. Furthermore, we need to have the expertise needed to creatively manage sourced funds. This will involve engaging acknowledged leaders in the financial markets locally and internationally to profitably manage the portfolio of the Church. Such financial advisers will be instrumental in determining where to invest Church funds for the overall benefit of the ministry. I look forward to some form of discussions here and this is where Mr. Fola Adeola can be of tremendous help. But I believe giving consideration for offshore investment of funds will not be out of place.

CONCLUSION
I am not attempting to pre-empt discussions within the three groups that would be formed in working out this vision. All I can say at this juncture is that these are basically what I call some thoughts which can set the stage in the discussion of the vision for the Church. What I would like to emphasise here is the need to equally focus attention on how the vision will be realised. It is also important that we all discuss all the issues in a free and unfettered manner. With the benefit of hindsight, I can confirm to you here that this is the only way we can evolve an enduring vision.

Leading a Church in the 21st century will be like leading a business organisation and only those with a focus and orientation will succeed. We need the Hand of God in what we do in the Church, but more importantly, we must take the initiative on our own to do what is expected in order to take the Church to greater heights. Let me remind ourselves of the famous words of the French Philosopher Jean Jacques Rosseaus who said that "There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come", this is the time for a vision for the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). It is imperative on each and every one of us to rally round our Primate to make the vision a reality. I pray that the Almighty God will help us in this gigantic mission.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is today at the threshold of the challenge of continuity and change. Continuity in the sense that we will not deviate from the teachings of the Bible and the ethos of the Church; and change, in the sense that we need to accommodate the realities of our environment today in our activities. How well we succeed in effectively managing this challenge will define the place of the Church in 21st century Nigeria.

Once again, I welcome all of us gathered here and I would like to thank the Primate for the invitation extended to me to address you here today.

Thank you and may God bless all of us together.

Chief (Dr.) Ernest A. O. Shonekan, CBE
Abuja, 27th March, 2000