ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF JOS
CHRISTIAN INSTUITE
ARCHBISHOP BENJAMIN ARGAK KWASHI (OON) DD, D.Min.
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BISHOP'S CHARGE 2001
In the Name
of the Father, and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.
Dear Friends
It is my privilege and pleasure to welcome everyone to this very special Synod gathering. This is the First Session of the new
Eighth Synod and the last Synod of the first decade of our episcopate. We rejoice that you are able to be with us and we bid
you welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We welcome very warmly those who have been elected by their parishes and archdeaconries and those who have been
re-elected to represent their local congregations at Synod. We also welcome those who have been appointed to various
diocesan posts to lead the church of God for the next three years. Our special appeal before you in the presence of God is to
be honest, faithful and generous. We implore you to shun every form of falsehood in the church of God, to speak only that
which is the truth and to say only that which will build up the Body of Christ. Our task together is to lead this diocese to the
heights where God is leading, and who knows if the Lord has brought you on board for a special task in this diocese, for
"a time like this".
It is a time of new beginnings, a time of new vision and new hope, as we look ahead towards God's future. It is a significant time,
a time when God requires his people to be where he has placed them, to do the work which he has called them to do. Anyone
who is put forward but is not called by God is the wrong person in the wrong place. Anyone whom God calls, but who refuses to
obey is definitely now in the wrong place. But for those whom God calls, and who answer his call, this is the moment of
opportunity, a time which will never repeat itself. The question for each of us, and for us collectively as a church and a diocese
is: are we ready and are we prepared to be used by God, in his way, in the location and job of his choice in
"a time like this"?
The Book of Esther provides a simple narrative of God's providence in history. The events described here took place in the
Persian Empire during the reign of King Ahasuerus (485-465 B.C.), a king who is often called by his Greek name, King Xerxes.
The Jews, having been defeated in battle, were living in exile. King Cyrus had permitted Jews to return from Babylon to
Jerusalem over fifty years earlier, and Xerxes' father had allowed them to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem. Many Jews,
however, had not returned to their homeland, and some of them rose to positions of eminence and of trust within the Persian
Empire.
It is often noted that the Book of Esther does not once mention the name of God. That is true, but the underlying theme is that
the events of the world are part of an overall divine plan and purpose. By all human standards the choice of Esther as queen
was surprising: she was a foreigner and moreover she was a Jew. Mordecai's words to Esther reveal his belief that the hand of
God is in charge of history, in charge of present developments and in charge of what will be in the future:
"And who knows whether
you have not come to the kingdom
for such a time as this?"
(Esther 4:14)
It is God who takes people from a lowly estate, lifts them up and brings down people who are very high. God in his infinite
wisdom knows why he does such things. The lesson is that in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, we should constantly
keep in mind the providential hand of God in all our affairs. Who would have known, for example, that the President of Nigeria
was right there in prison in Jos in 1995/6.
It is impossible to stop the hand of God in anything when its time has come. This was true for King Xerxes' first wife, Queen
Vashti, a woman of dignity and charm, whose beauty was well known throughout the Babylonian Empire. Yet when the time for
her deposition came, nothing could stop it. We are not likely to know the entire reasons and the exact happenings that led to
this disgraceful exit of Queen Vashti, but what we know is that a huge banquet went on for days and when the king and his
officials were in high spirits from wine:
"On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded .... the seven eunuchs who served King
Xerxes as chamberlains, to bring Queen Vashti before the king ..."
(1:10-11)
And that was it! Queen Vashti refused to come and that refusal led to her downfall.
A lot of care needs to be taken concerning over-indulgence, laxity, gluttony, drunkenness and moral degradation. The lesson is
obvious. In situations like this when people avoid sobriety and turn to other influences, something will always go wrong. As a
church we are only a true church when, like the apostles of old we are walking, living and acting by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Whenever the church is at its best, the church must have listened to the Holy Spirit and obeyed the Lord.
Queen Vashti, on the other hand, wanted to protect her pride and her dignity. The situation here looks like a struggle for who is
in command. The king had commanded, but Vashti would not obey. A law had to come into action. Vashti lost.
It is fairly clear what the man wanted to achieve by this action, but it should be noted too that the context does not show that the
king, his nobles, or Vashti had any knowledge of the fear of the Lord in their hearts. It is a pity that they did not see that the
broken home of the king would have an even greater effect on society than the disobedience of Queen Vashti.
Let us learn, and learn quickly before it is too late. The family of the Christian is the nucleus from which the church begins to
operate, and the family of the Christian leader is a model for the church and for the younger generation. No Christian leader
should take lightly the gift of family life. No Christian leader should take for granted the task of working for a godly family life.
The fate of Vashti is likely to await anybody who chooses to disregard the gift of a godly Christian family life. The family must be
kept pure and holy, totally set free from any form of destructive influence.
A home where the spirit which is in control is the spirit of alcohol and of other ungodly influences will end up like the home of
King Xerxes. One cannot get over the wonder of God who sees the end from the beginning and knows everything. It always
amazes me how God works in history. He brings people together from the ends of the earth to achieve his purposes and works
out his will in the most amazing ways on earth. Just think about this story for one moment and imagine the confusion in the
palace of King Xerxes and the several council meetings over the single issue of the disobedience of Queen Vashti and the
falling condition of the King's family life. The entire Empire is set into panic because of what might befall the King, his family and
the family life of the kingdom. In all of this God was preparing someone for
"a time like this".
The story continues with a search for a person who would fit into Queen Vashti's shoes. Esther, we are told, was Mordecai's
cousin; she was an orphan, brought up in a humble home, the home of a Jewish family. Mordecai had taken Esther as his own
daughter (2:7). We are not told anything about her upbringing or early life, but we see from the text that Esther was lovely in
form (2:7); she found favour with Hegai who was in charge of the King's harem (2:9). Esther did not reveal her nationality or her
family background because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so (2:10). Esther won the favour of everyone who saw her (2:15).
The King was attracted to Esther more than to any other woman (2:17) and Esther became Queen (2:18).
As a Jew, Mordecai would not spare the training of his adopted daughter. Esther's obedience to the instructions of Mordecai
clearly shows how willing to learn she had been. Esther owed a great deal to the upbringing that Mordecai gave her. This type
of upbringing had brought Esther from a background of obscurity to the peak of fame, power and influence. A lot of guess-work
can be done as to why their nationality was to be kept secret, but the lesson for us centres more upon the upbringing of Esther
than on anything else. Inside her, Esther knew who she was; she knew where she was coming from and she understood
perfectly well the implications of being a Jewess in exile in Babylon at
"a time like this".
Mordecai was concerned to ensure that Esther did not fail him, she did not fail her nation and she did not fail God. She was to
keep a low profile for a time.
One question which may be asked is how the church is bringing up the young people. What is the programme of upbringing in
the families of the church? One of my professors once encouraged me not to allow the western life-style to influence the African
family value systems. I am afraid, however, that it is too late. African families now consider it a sign of success to be linked to
the cable TV and slowly but surely the media is drawing our young people away from the traditional family value systems to the
individualistic, materialistic and selfish life-styles as advertised by the media. The powerful media has interrupted the upbringing
of children, and parents have even lost confidence in bringing up their own children.
With the story of Esther one is encouraged not to give up. The church must never give up. We must fight to bring up our
children and to train them to be members of the family, of the Body of Christ. If Mordecai could do it in Babylon, it is recorded to
encourage us to do the same. Mordecai fought the times and the society he was in and God proved him right for
a time like this.
The more the church adopts and conforms to the world, the less relevant she will become. Ours is to pour our entire investment
into raising up our children for God to use in times such as this.
Surely we can train our children to be courteous. This is a part of the training of true Christian disciples that is dying out in the
church. We in Jos Diocese can learn from Esther and we can be God's instruments of change in this country and beyond. Let
us make it a point to speak politely to one another. Let us train ourselves and teach our children to make way for others in the
corridor or passages and to greet strangers with a smile. Ushers in our churches must welcome people and courteously lead
them into the church and show them where to sit, making them very welcome by providing hymn books, and prayer books or by
sitting them near to someone who has these and with whom they can easily share.
What about teaching the young people to help some older persons to carry heavy loads and to do all those odd jobs that make
other people happy and comfortable. Those of us with cars should give way to traffic on the left. Drivers should be cautious
and courteous to pedestrians and gentle to cyclists. Women must take time to dress neatly, decently and modestly, investing
more in spiritual beauty. Husbands and young men should lead the way in treating all women with deep respect and in giving
them priority at home and in public places. We can do this. It is possible and very soon people will begin to ask: who are these?
At an appropriate time we will disclose our identity.
Neither Mordecai nor Esther shouted about their religious convictions and their nationality, but their characters spoke so loudly
that the King could not resist Esther. Esther owed everything to Mordecai.
Mordecai's character shows his deep convictions and trust in God. He is a man of truth, not of slander, rumour-mongering or
lies. He confronted the guards who were plotting to kill the King. The King investigated the matter and found that it was true
(2:23). He courageously faced evil plotters and would stand for the truth at all times. He did not do it for a reward, but he simply
did that which he had to do, and that which it was his duty to do, and he did it at the right time. Mordecai was an upright man
who loved his job, and gave his best to it. It was enough that he had a job and he did it conscientiously.
Another character was Haman. He was influential; he was arrogant; he found religious convictions intolerable; he was rich,
powerful and a very intelligent plotter. Mordecai was descended from Kish and was of the tribe of Benjamin. This means that
Mordecai was of the same family as King Saul and some five hundred years earlier King Saul had fought the Amalekites and
killed their King Agag. Haman was descended from King Agag. Family and tribal prejudices continued for generation after
generation and even now Haman regarded Mordecai as his enemy not because Mordecai himself had done any wrong to
Haman, but because Haman simply found Mordecai and Mordecai's religious convictions unbearable. Haman therefore drew a
master plan not only for Mordecai, but for the entire Jewish people in the Empire. Being a good plotter, he got the King's
approval to carry out his genocide against the Jews. At the publication of the edict to exterminate the Jews, Mordecai now
turned to make public not only his nationality, but also his religious beliefs. It is in time of trouble that one's faith is tested for its
value.
Mordecai sent a message to Esther. By now one would have thought that having reached the pinnacle of power and influence
Esther would have forgotten her humble background, but she did not. She remembered her uncle, her friends, her relatives
and the entire Jewish race. To be sure that she did not forget, Mordecai sent a message to make the point loud and clear: you
are not there for your own sake.
Then Mordecai sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will
escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your
father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" (4:13-14)
This call from Mordecai is the heart of the entire story. The giving up of oneself for others; the willingness to surrender
resources, time, energy and any other thing which may be needed for the benefit of others; to make available a service that will
draw people to God and to do something that will make people praise and thank God. Mordecai was ever conscious of this.
It is a shame that the church has received the gospel and its benefits but that very few, if any, are praising God for our services.
It is a shame that in this day and age not many people can say they are grateful to us for our sacrifice to make their lives a little
better. If anything, greed, selfishness, corruption, immorality, slander, gossip, lies and total falsehood are seeking to take root
in the life of the church. We are being called upon today to do something about it. If we do not, God will do something and even
we ourselves will not be spared. Esther took the challenge and declared a three day fast.
As has been mentioned earlier, the true qualities of Esther are beginning show in difficult times. Although she was in the
comfort of a palace, she turned fully to God for the rescue of the Jewish people. The providence of God in this matter is
paramount, but the dedication and commitment of Esther and Mordecai is a big lesson in history to be learnt by all who will follow
God.
God requires our faithfulness, willingness and humility to be prepared to do his will at all times. Humility is the biggest spiritual
investment in the whole journey of faith. Without humility, the doors of heaven are locked and sooner or later you become an
easy target for the devil. It is always the case that those who plot out of envy or malice or slander do so with their minds made
up; they are unwilling to change their minds no matter what evidence may be presented to them. This is an attitude which is
borne of pride, power and the desire to manipulate others. God, however, is always on the side of the humble. Humility is the
only effective weapon in the face of lies, hatred, bitterness, or jealousy.
The striking moments may seem difficult but those are God's opportunities. Those difficult moments are moments that make
history. The times call for a decisive demonstration of total commitment to God and a promotion of every spiritual virtue
previously invested. When courtesy and good character were needed of Esther she was available. When loyalty and
truthfulness were needed of Mordecai he was available. Now another need had arisen: the need to stand up for God. Only
God could do this particular miracle in history, but God needed someone to stand.
It is these kinds of opportunities that we miss in Nigeria today. The opportunities now are more than ever before for Christians
in this country to stand for the truth against slander and lies; to stand for the oppressed, the needy; to invest in godly virtues,
courtesy and discipline; to invest in environmental and physical cleanliness, tree planting, flower planting, care for personal and
church property. This is the time to invest in children's education, mental education, spiritual education, to invest in quality time
with the family.
This is the time to seize every opportunity to make an impact with the gospel of Jesus Christ at home, in the community, at work
and at leisure. The sacrifices involved are worth every single ounce of our time and energy, not because our name will be sung
in history, but because people will be saved, and God will be glorified. In other words, any conversation, work, investment or
pleasure that is not a life-saving action is a waste of time in history. Esther knew that. Mordecai reminded her: you are here for
a time like this. It is these precise moments when you have just come back from a trip and some woman comes running, her son
is ill and she needs your help. It is also the moment when you choose to stand up, to seek to know that truth of every matter
when possibly some innocent person is being condemned. It is those moments when you choose to stand for the gospel and
stand with Jesus Christ rather then go with the world's decision. Those are the moments needed in history to save lives
provided it is not for selfish interest, vainglory or pride. I dare say that Christians have these golden opportunities on a daily
basis, but we turn aside and choose the easy way out.
It will not be presumptuous to say that both Esther and Mordecai learned over the years consistently to walk with God in small
ways. It would have been interesting to visit their home before Esther became queen. I am sure you would have been served
with cold water by a courteous Esther in a humble home with a couple of Scriptural passages on the walls, not necessarily much
furnished, but in a clean environment. Everything would have been neat and decent: a small house in the corner of the
quarters, looking a little bit different, with flowers around it. If you spent a week in that house I doubt that you would hear voices
raised apart from excited, happy, little children wanting to play with occasional children's disagreements, but with Uncle Mordecai
ever handy to settle each family matter. Uncle Mordecai was definitely approachable and Esther had learnt as a little girl that
when Mordecai warned, he did it from God. Mordecai would not just raise an alarm until he had his facts right; this was proved
when the coup plotters were arrested.
Esther therefore knew that this time again Mordecai must also be right; his facts would be correct; the Jews would be killed in ten
days' time. When all the facts are not there and a particular course is pursued, it is bound to fail in the long run. Acting on
presumptions and speculations can be fatally disgraceful at the end. Christians must learn from Esther and Mordecai. Esther
declared a fast and called the faithful to fast (4:16). This was no mere religious exercise. This was a self declared lenten period
for God to act in history. Please note the reasons for the fast. It was not so that God would somehow cancel the edict of
Haman. While that was possible, Esther called for prayer for herself so that she would get up and, against the law of the Medes
and the Persians, she would go to see the King even though she was not invited - and she would do it even if it meant her losing
the crown or even her life. But she would do it anyway; she would do it after the prayer and the fast.
The content of the prayer was for her to find favour when she went to the King and for the King to be favourably disposed to her
requests. Esther was definitely a well brought up woman who knew how to get to the heart of her man, not by shouting nor by
quarrels, not by blackmail or by insults, not by force nor by seductions, but only by the wisdom and spirit of God. I think the
Mothers' Union and Women's Guild would do well to spend time studying and teaching the next generation about these qualities
of Esther. This would save the world from the pains and heartache caused by the ever-increasing number of divorce cases in
the church. The beauty of Esther was matched by her wisdom and courage in character.
It is no surprise that the apostles in Acts 6 required that those who would serve must be well spoken of, and that they also be
people full of the spirit and wisdom. These trinitarian characteristics are not to be bought in the market, they are not available
for sale. They are imbibed through character development over time; they are nurtured by discipline and discipleship through
the study of God's word and by learning at the feet of godly elders who are timeless living examples in history. All Esther did
was to ask the King to a dinner. Haman was excited about the dinner because Esther was known to be a wonderful cook and
who could refuse Esther's favour. To prove the point, she invited them twice. Esther was definitely a model and the other
unbelievers would be wondering what the secret was. But you see: as a little girl, Esther spent a lot of her time with Aunty
Mrs.Mordecai in the kitchen, learning how to cook different dishes; she knew how to wash dishes immediately after the meal; she
knew what to bring; she knew what to serve and how to serve. The women of her time probably invested more time in
beautification, fashion parades and everything else and missed those things that God requires most for
a time such a this.
A well-trained child is the pride of any parent and the joy of any community. A child brought up in a godly manner will never be a
disappointment anywhere. Esther showed it; she showed who she was in character and finally she put her request to the king
after the meal. At the first dinner, the opportunity did not seem right. A clear minded Esther was looking for the right moment to
make the most of her opportunity. She was definitely in tune with the spirit of the living God. When the time came she struck
the right chords that gave the right tune - and Haman lost his job. In fact, Haman lost his life and his entire family. The Jews
were saved, and the Jews were also victorious over their enemies. This remarkable story becomes an everlasting lesson in the
history of all who know God and who believe and trust in the eternal providences of the Almighty God.
Some of the lessons are not too difficult to see. The obvious godly characteristics developed by Mordecai and Esther found
their opportunity for display at a time and moment in history. Moreover, that God knows the people he has created throughout
the world and that he has put each person in their place are facts that humanity must learn to accept with gratitude. God could
have turned their roles around, but he had put everybody in their place. The problem is the need for the grateful acceptance of
where you are, together with the acknowledgement of God in your life wherever you may find yourself, and the preparedness to
let God work through you. For God has put us all where we are for the benefit of one another and for the saving of lives and
the glory of his name.
Another lesson to be learned is that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. God is ever willing to work with
people and use people who are willing to work with him. Pride robbed Vashti, and pride misled the King; the same pride
destroyed Haman. On the other hand, however, humility brought Esther to the throne and her humility brought blessing to the
life of King Xerxes. The same characteristic brought salvation to the Jews. Esther, remember, had moved from the humble
background of Mordecai's family to the palace of a Babylonian King - and it must be re-iterated that the Jews at this time were in
exile.
A further lesson concerns Mordecai's love and care for his oppressed people. It was bad enough that they were in exile and
they were already second class citizens with limited rights, but to add more pain to their already painful situation Haman
preferred that they be annihilated. Mordecai did not seek to escape; he was not afraid for his own life, but he could not sleep
knowing that hundreds and thousands of others would be killed - and all because he now chose to show his faith in public and
declare his nationality in a foreign land. God will always stand by the innocent and the righteous, for Jesus our Saviour is the
Way the Truth and the Life. Whenever you are saying the truth Jesus is there but whenever you tell a lie, just be sure that are
not talking for the Lord. Mordecai had learned to speak and to do the truth - and what was life without the truth!
Mordecai would not do anything secretly that he would not do publicly or vice versa. He lived such a transparent life that he was
well spoken of in the palace and in the community - so much so that Haman could not stand him. Instead of Haman learning
from Mordecai the secret of life, he chose to antagonize the poor man, and not only him, but just in case this Mordecai man had
trained others, Haman said that they should all be killed. It is important at this juncture to point out that the rise of Esther and
Mordecai to political heights is not necessarily the way in which God will lift up those who are humble before him and those who
are available for him to use. The point of the narrative is that a true believer must be like Mordecai and Esther in their
communities. You can imagine what would happen to the devil if everywhere you went you saw several Esther's and Mordecai's,
in the church, in the market, at work .. everywhere! What a wonderful church, diocese or nation that would be!
It is our duty to reduce the number of Haman's and Vashti's, just in case we find ourselves being any of these. God is calling for
a change of heart, and then the community will change. For until and unless we are transformed nothing will happen to the
society. We may possess property, we may have money and technology, we may have everything, but we will not enjoy them
because the Haman's and the Vashti's in us will destroy the peace and joy that ought to be ours in the midst of plenty.
There is no doubt that God is in charge of Nigeria's history as he was in charge of the Babylonian Empire. In fact, God has
always been in charge of the history of the nations of the world. At the time of the British Empire, God also made mission
activities flourish. Towards the end of the last century communism collapsed in Russia. Racism as a form of government met its
end in the early parts of the 1990's. God has never failed to take charge of the history of the world at any time. Nigeria is no
exception. Those who have manipulated the economy of Nigeria to suit their personal selfish interests are in for a surprise. It will
also not be too long before NITEL, NEPA, the water Board, transport and the various social services will experience a turn of
events in the history of this country. It is impossible that the wicked will hold a nation to ransom for so long. The point of the
story of Esther is that God turned things around against the wicked, and who knows whether it is that God has brought each one
of us into the positions we now hold as Christians for
a time like this.
As God turns events around nationally, so also individually the hand of God is being experienced. Those who have made
commitments to the Lord and have chosen to live righteously before him must continue to do so no matter how tempting the
prevailing circumstances may be. The day of rejoicing is not too far away. Perseverance will always yield its fruit and receive a
fulfilling reward, for the Lord of history will always have the final say. Only believe and obey and be faithful!
The distinguishing characteristic of Esther and Mordecai which later became a problem for Haman is the same characteristic
that was a blessing to the king and to the rest of the Jews. This was concern for the people. Mordecai and Esther certainly had
some concern for themselves as people but their concern for others was definitely greater, and this brings them in line with the
will of God for the world:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
(John 3:16)
Jesus' main heartbeat was in care and concern for people. Jesus looks at Jerusalem and weeps; he compares the people to a
mother hen and her chicks; he looks at the people, he looks at the crowd and he describes them as sheep without a shepherd.
He finishes the day and asks the disciples to cross over to the other side so that they can eat and rest, but the crowds are on
the other side and compassion moves him. He takes in the smallest details to demonstrate the care, concern and compassion
of God towards people.
Brothers and sisters, it is people who are our wealth. We may possess things, we may possess property, money and goods, but
without care, concern and compassion for people we lose relevance on earth. it must be pointed out that this care and concern
which Mordecai and Esther had did not just come up in one day. They had learnt it from the Scriptures, from the experience of
being in exile and they also knew firsthand the effect of sin in the lives of people. They were both moved to do something for
people at the right time to promote what it means to trust in the living God. It is the wealth of their godliness that they were now
investing in history at
a time like this.
We have a similar opportunity today and in fact our opportunity is even greater because Jesus Christ has already won every
battle for us and given us salvation. We have the gospel; we have the Scriptures; we have all that it takes to turn this society
round, but shall we lose the opportunity? All it takes is for you to look round you and you will see very many children wandering
about without any purpose in life; youth who from the look on their faces could seem like some church-going people with the
right vocabulary in their mouths - but they are stark pagans. There are so many adults who are busy chasing money, believing
that money will solve all personal and family problems - but has it done so? Has not the family broken down in the process?
Marriage has become a course by correspondence and a relationship by long distance.
Moreover, what happens to the older people? In our context we do not have old peoples' homes, so our older generation are
suffering gross neglect, loneliness and even painful death. What is even worse are the obvious wasteful, useless funeral
expenses which make no sense to the dead, especially when you know that whilst the old people were alive they never
benefitted from one tenth of the total amount spent on their funeral. What they needed was companionship, love, friendship
and knowing that they were still family; they had a burning desire to pour out the wealth of wisdom and experience to some
listening ear. But alas, where are they?
Unless and until our care, concern and compassion for people is translated into practical saving acts that give meaning to the
preaching of our gospel, we will not know the will of God for the world. This statement is rather strong, but that is what Romans
12:1-2 is designed to produce: transformed people who are to transform other people and communities by the power of the
gospel through the work of the Holy Spirit and so bring people into the Kingdom.
A minor point, which is nonetheless a big consideration for us, is that the risk that Mordecai and Esther took paid off in the end.
They believed God; they had absolute faith and trust in him to work out his will for his people and they took a step of faith which
paid off. People were saved, the King was happy, the Jews were feared in the Empire, God was glorified, and Esther and
Mordecai have become an everlasting part of history. Esther and Mordecai knew where to invest and this they did in matters of
eternal value. The early missionaries followed suit: people such as Moody, Spurgeon, John Wesley, Musa Gotom, Victor Musa,
Ajayi Crowther and several others in line. Where will you fit?
MISSION AND EVANGELISM
Our ministry continues to receive its meaning only as we seek to fulfill our call in mission and evangelism. The mission
department has received a great boost with the full time volunteer services of Mrs.Margaret Genka. She is the co-ordinating
secretary of the Mission Team while the Rev.Chijioke O.G.Nlem is the Team Leader. The clarity with which the Rev.Nlem has
taken over the leadership of the Mission Team has given a focus and energy to our drive in this regard.
Mangu mission in November last year was a success not because we went there, but because after we went the Supervising
Priest and his team have embarked on a monthly mission around the Archdeaconry. This effort has not only borne fruit, but has
given a leading example to the rest of the diocese.
We congratulate the effort of Bukuru Archdeaconry in opening up Gyel area of mission. It was a pleasant surprise for us when
the Rev.D.Pam and his wife came to us to inform us of God's call upon their lives for a definite missionary work amongst the
Birom people in Gyel. We were glad to post them as missionaries there. Another missionary couple, this time with the support
of Jos Central Archdeaconry, is the Rev. and Mrs.Azi who are currently serving at Fobur. We must place on record the great
missionary advance of St.Michael's Church, Katako, Jos amongst the indigenous people in Bokkos, Pankshin and Langtang
areas. There is a definite warming up for missionary outbursts in Wase and Vom Archdeaconries. We prayerfully anticipate a
great work of God in these areas.
It should be mentioned at this point that we have received invitations in the last year and this year to preach at various mission
conferences overseas. As you know, we have never gone out on our own without the blessing and prayer support of our
diocese. We wish to register our gratitude to all who have prayed and are continuing to pray for the wider ministry of the gospel
of Jesus Christ as the Lord uses us.
A careful look around shows very clearly that the gospel of the Lord is the only message that can change the world. In Nigeria
today it is estimated that out of a population of 120 million people, 40 million are under 20 years of age. This should tell us to
review our missionary push and evangelism strategies. Furthermore, more than half this population have no access to any form
of good education. This group of young people are the ones that are now very sexually active and thereby exposed to every
form of sexually transmitted disease. As if that were not bad enough, they do not possess any means of economic support to
help them when they fall sick. They are not employable and they lack any form of skill to support themselves. All the people
who came out with us on the Ganawuri mission will say more by way of describing the young people in Nigeria today. Every
night when we came back from outreach we cried together. Ignorance has become a religion of its own, and people are heading
back to the dark ages. Ganawuri mission in April was a great blessing to all who came.
I have reached the conclusion now that we do not need any pastors or clergy who will not be missionaries. We need people who
will come into ministry to invest their lives in the tasks of rescuing the perishing, of bringing light into darkness, of starting and
establishing missionary schools all over again, training local people in simple hygiene, planting trees and flowers, building local
latrines and bathrooms, and demonstrating visibly by their physical presence in a community what it means to be a Christian and
a follower of Jesus Christ. The present revolution taking place in our Christian Institute must not only continue but must intensify
with a strict commitment to training for missions. The opportunities for preaching the gospel are not closed but they are not
open either. What is needed are persons who are committed to people and to sharing Christ with them in word and in practical
terms until the people understand what it means to make a commitment and until they are given the chance to accept or reject
the gospel.
During our visit to Ganawuri we were so very warmly received by the Atar Atn of Ganawuri. He made promises of land for
missionary development. He and his traditional council have formally adopted me, Benjamin Kwashi, as an indigenous son of
Ganawuri. We on our part are hereby making Ganawuri a parish of its own and we shall by the grace of God ordain Kephas
Zechariah and send him there as a pastor and missionary to Ganawuri kingdom. That place needs our total support as a
church. We must pray and work for a sustainable growth of the church in that area. The early missionaries came and died here
so that our grandparents and parents might hear the gospel. May I ask what we have done with the gospel we have received?
It is a shame that we have neither lived for the gospel not do we understand what it means to be willing to die for the gospel that
others may hear and believe.
CHRISTIAN INSTITUTE
We give glory to God for the great strides that the Institute continues to make in spite of ourselves. We are an institution
committed to Bible teaching on faith, life and family matters. We are an institution committed to the training and sending of
missionaries. We are an institution committed to the whole gospel; we are committed to Biblical scholarship. We are not
ashamed of our traditional Anglican roots from CMS who brought the gospel to us. Now we must take this same gospel, hot and
fresh, to others locally and around the world.
We train students to go to urban or to rural locations where there is ignorance, poverty, disease, and spiritual darkness, and
also to areas where the gospel has scarcely been heard, or not heard at all. Our task is to preach the gospel by word and by
deed. This means that we are to establish schools, teach hygiene, care for the environment and bring people to a saving
knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The community of believers must show the fruit of faith in their daily lives; in their character
and behaviour; and by being humble and courteous to all.
We are therefore glad that our training in the Institute continues to include such issues as Community Development and matters
concerning HIV/AIDS. It is unfortunate that the infectious nature of AIDS is still not being taken seriously. When something is
said to be infectious it means that one infected person can infect two or three or even ten others; these infected persons can
then each infect the same number of others (or even more), and so on ... The church must take seriously the danger signals
and begin a fight against this scourge. We are grateful to the Gospel Medical Services and the Rev.N.P. Bewarang for their
efforts to educate our students and to sensitize the churches in this regard. The number of funerals we take is likely to increase
and even double if we ignore this serious area of ministry. Judgement may even begin with the house of the clergy. People
must be taught to abstain from sexual promiscuity. Those who are married should keep only to their partners. Those who are
not married should take time to be sure of the person they want to marry. This disease is real and it looks like a curse.
The Christian Institute has opened yet another department, that of Computer Studies. Through the assistance of the Rev.Ben
Enwuchola and thanks to the support of the Church of the Resurrection, Chicago, we were able to secure twenty used
computers which we have refurbished and put to good use. Twelve of these computers are now set up in the Computer Room
of the Christian Institute. Our pastors and missionaries need to be computer literate among other things!
We have also received a donation of a second hand 25KVA Lister Generator for the Institute. This will meet the needs of the
School of Music and the Computer School whenever there is NEPA failure. Our gratitude knows no end for the financial and
moral support we have continued to receive from well meaning and godly Christian people.
Mention must also be made of the staff who come from all around Jos and from the University, seasoned and experienced
priests and other Christians who have made our Institute a college of recognised standing on the Plateau.
Our Hausa training has also proved very relevant and useful as other dioceses make good use of available courses. Apart from
the Diploma and Degree courses we have started In-Service training for church workers in various categories, the first being
"Foundations in Ministry (1)" and by September we should have "Foundations in Ministry (2)".
VISION
We have received the final report of the Visioning Committee. The collation and recommendations of the report make a
projection for the next ten years. We must thank the Vision Committee for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice in putting
together the various recommendations and suggestions from the archdeaconries to form a vision for the diocese. The Report is
unanimous on the vision of evangelism. For this we are very grateful and on our part we want to reiterate that from the first day
we stepped into this office as Bishop of Jos we had made our position very clear. We will not change and we are not about to
change! It is our desire that during this Synod each archdeaconry will have a copy of the Vision Report, each supervising Priest
will study it and a strategic planning sitting will be called at which we shall, with the Supervising Priests, discuss thoroughly the
entire report and decide how to go back and implement the total vision for the diocese. Meanwhile, we shall appoint a
monitoring committee as recommended by the Vision Report, and pray that once again God will have his good hands upon our
work.
One aspect of my vision which concerns me very deeply and which I must share at this Synod is the future of clergy children in
the diocese. It is not enough for me to talk about clergy commitment to work without discussing the future of their children. The
rising costs of school fees, the falling standards of living and the unpredictable political situation all over Africa make it
necessary for me to request a firm decision on how to tackle this matter. One idea I had was to find full scholarships for all
clergy children, covering tuition, boarding and feeding for at least four children per family. Yet another idea is for me to
establish a special school for clergy children. It amazes me how church members forget about the quality of life their pastors live
and yet require the best services whenever they need anything. I am sensitizing God's people to think very hard about how to
begin to make those ministering to us live a fairly comfortable life while giving the best of their services to God and humanity.
I have a vision - and it is not an impossible one - that every church presently in the diocese should give birth to yet another
congregation by the end of December. It is also not impossible for every village, town and city in this State to have one church
established by the Anglican Diocese of Jos. May this happen this year.
THE CITY OF JOS
In 1992 when I came here as the Bishop of Jos there were about 450,000 people in the city of Jos. Now, nine years later there
are close to one million people. These (estimated) figures allow for a 2% annual growth rate and also take account of the
sudden influx of people from all the troubled states of Northern Nigeria. This means that every available land space is being
taken out of need; water and electricity supplies are stretched beyond their ability to cope; sheer human traffic seems like a
beehive in the streets. The Government of Plateau State needs our support, counsel and prayers on how to deal with these
overstretched and limited resources. The church on the other hand needs to seize the opportunity for times like this. What
must not be forgotten is that Jos is the only city where Jesus is Our Saviour! It is a city built on a firm foundation, on the Lord
Jesus Christ and the mission of the gospel. The time to seize the opportunity is now, without delay.
It is with this in mind that we commend the State Government for cleaning the human congestion around Terminus and Ahmado
Bello Way. For us in St.Luke's Cathedral we are most grateful for we are placed at the very heart of the city of Jos and the
situation was almost unbearable until the government took firm steps in helping us to keep our surroundings clear of touts, filth
and unwanted characters. A lot more needs to be done to keep the city clean: the piles and heaps of rubbish left on the sides
of some streets are a disgrace and a health hazard. The drainage under construction is a very welcome development. The
construction of overhead pedestrian bridges is an excellent innovation. More of these should be constructed around the city to
save lives from road accidents.
Apart from the urgent need to keep the city clean there is the urgent need to put under strict order and control the motor-cycle
taxis commonly called "Achabas". The motor cyclists are grossly under-age and the young adults who qualify to ride them are
extremely reckless, violent and impatient. You do not have to hire any one of them before incurring their wrath, They have
pushed down pedestrians peacefully waiting for taxis, in addition to throwing off their passengers.
There is also another growing trend of little children wandering the streets aimlessly and sometimes begging for alms. In
another ten years these little children will be the thugs and the touts and the "area boys" of the society. Not having anything to
lose, they become a total nuisance, drug addicts, rapists and robbers. The Government of Plateau State and the church must
urgently plan ahead because Jos and the major towns surrounding it are becoming quite popular as places of permanent
residence for those who are moving from other states. If tourism is going to thrive in Plateau State there can be no compromise
in keeping the peace, order and security of the State.
Let me conclude with one more request, and that concerns the fuel sector as it affects Plateau State. I appeal to Government to
see to it that the suffering of the people be further reduced by ensuring the provision of petrol and petroleum production supply
in the State. Meanwhile we encourage Joshua Dariye and his administration to focus on tangible achievements for the benefit of
the people of Plateau State. The road repairs and road constructions are a welcome effort and the health sector development
should continue.
Our country is faced with numerous problems. There are too many powerful people with selfish interests. The poor people
cannot get petrol and petroleum products. Academic Staff Union members go on strike. Rich and powerful politicians oppose
and block programmes that would help the poor masses. The unions have even left the people in confusion as to what they like
and what they do not like; what they oppose and why they oppose it. In the midst of all this, unknown to some people, there is a
providential God who is at work in history, and like Esther and Mordecai we are confident that God will bring us rescue during
times such as this.
MEDICAL PRACTICE IN NIGERIA
The time has come for the church to go back to the original mission of medical practice. It is our desire and deliberate policy
that the Gospel Medical Services will set the standard in medical care. It is no exaggeration to say that even adults are afraid to
go to the hospitals now because of the hostility and negligence of the medical care givers. You can then imagine what happens
to children! No wonder that people now prefer to go to local pharmacists or even traditional medicine givers rather than to the
hospital. I firmly believe that any time you take away the gospel from any place, what you have left is a frightening monster. My
wife, my family and I have several times been victims of some harsh, unkind, uncaring, not listening, rough looking and
unsympathetic medical personnel. Honestly, we have sometimes fled and have had to go only to medical care givers whom we
know. How sad the situation is. Moreover, if this is what happens to us, you can only imagine what happens to other people.
We are glad that Dr.G.A.Toma has resigned and taken up the full time task of working for the Christian Medical and Dental
Association. We pray for him, his wife and children as they take on this huge responsibility of turning things around for the Lord
in medical practice. It is a command that Christians must show forth their faith wherever they are: "Let your light so shine before
men that they may see your good works and give glory to your father who is in heaven" (Mt.5:16). It is even more required in
medical practice because medical personnel deal with and handle God's creation in the most critical moments of human
existence.
PROVINCIAL STANDING COMMITTEE
It is a great privilege for us to be asked to host the Provincial Standing Committee in September 2001. This is the time for us to
show the Church of Nigeria our "Jospitality". We therefore call on every church and every member to sacrifice time, energy and
resources to make the Provincial Standing Committee meeting a successful one. The entire diocese is called upon to begin now
to pray and to make contributions that will add up towards hosting this gathering. May the Lord give us grace to host it and to
bring glory to his holy name.
TEN YEARS
It is amazing how time flies! February next year will bring the tenth anniversary of our consecration and enthronement as Bishop
of Jos. As a family we will also have spent ten years here. We want to celebrate our service and evaluate our ministry in Jos
Diocese. We are inviting all who share this ministry with us to come and find at least one reason for thanking God for these ten
years of gospel mission on the Plateau. The Bishop of Dallas, the Rt.Rev.J.Stanton, will be the preacher. He and his wife and
agreed to come; they will also lead our clergy school.
BEREAVEMENTS
It was a very sad month for us to have lost the Rev. John Odumbah who died in hospital after a brief illness and then soon after
that the Rev. Joseph Gombull was taken ill and hospitalized; he never recovered. As we were planning Rev.Gombull's funeral,
just two days before his final internment, his wife, Mrs. Deborah Gombull died. Both were buried on the one day.
On top of that, our old experienced organist, "Pa CKC" (Mr. Humphrey Ezeudemba) also died. Many of us, I believe, have lost
one, two or other members of our families. For these we pray God to console us all. May the God of all comfort bring comfort to
the hearts of all who mourn.
We will observe a moment's silence.
CONCLUSION
In the eyes of the world Haman was in a position of power and influence, and he used this to further his own ends, while at the
same time pretending that what he did he was doing for the sake of the King and the Empire (3:8). He was already rich and in
the highest social and political position, but he wanted to satisfy his thirst for vengeance and to destroy Mordecai and all of
Mordecai's people. He did not take God into account.
Esther and Mordecai were outsiders in all senses. They were not rich, they were not indigenes, they were not court officials.
The difference was, however, that they trusted in God. Because of their faith, they had hope; with faith and hope came vision;
from faith, hope and vision came courage; and these qualities gave birth to that loving concern for other people which was
strong and sure, brave enough to risk even life itself, and humble enough to obey.
When events had run their course Haman was hung on his own gallows which he had erected for Mordecai's death. Mordecai
took Haman's place of power, but with a difference, noted clearly in the final verse of the book:
"Mordecai the Jew was next in rank to King Xerxes, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his
brethren, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people." (10:3)
No-one forced Mordecai and Esther to take a stand, and to take the initiative to counter Haman's evil plan. Mordecai's trust and
faith, however, were so strong that he warned the young Esther that if she failed to act she and her family would suffer, but help
for the Jews would come from elsewhere (4:14). Esther took the risk and acted with faith and courage. As she did so she
matured from a obedient young girl into a woman of God who now took the initiative herself. The time had come.
Permit me to remind us once again of what has happened before, and what will always happen on the one hand to the proud,
the wicked, and to all who plot and do evil, and on the other hand to the humble and to those who seek and follow the Lord.
1Do not fret because of evil men, or be envious of those who do wrong;
2for like the grass they soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
3Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
6He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
7Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked
schemes.
8Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil.
9For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
10A little while and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them they will not be found.
11But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
12The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;
13but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.
14The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.
15But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
16Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;
17for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.
18The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure for ever.
19In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
20But the wicked will perish; the Lord's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish - vanish like smoke.
21The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;
22those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off.
23If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his step firm;
24though he stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
25I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
26They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.
27Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land for ever.
28For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected for ever, but the offspring of the
wicked will be cut off;
29the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it for ever.
30The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.
31The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.
32The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives;
33but the Lord will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.
34Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off you will see it.
35I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,
36but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.
37Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.
38But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.
39The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
You may be where you are for precisely this moment, for a time like this. Whatever it may entail we will not be afraid; we will
move ahead in faith; we will not fear the hidden evil, or the plottings of corrupt human beings. The One who calls us, calls us to
go on - with him; to live in faith, in obedience and in love. The proud will be brought down; the humble will be lifted up. The men
of violence, liars and slanderers will meet their end, but those who trust in the Lord will be strong. That is what it means to live
for God in
"A Time Like This".
+Benjamin A. Kwashi
Bishop of Jos
May 2001
MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE
CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)
Held at St.Cyprian's Church, Port Harcourt,
Niger Delta Diocese, Rivers State, 15-16 March, 2001
COMMUNIQUE
Introduction
The Standing committee of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), comprising the House of Bishops, the House of Clergy,
and the House of Laity, met at St.Cyprian's Church, Port Harcourt, Niger Delta Diocese on 15th and 16th March, 2001, on the
theme: "Be Ye Transformed". The meeting, preceded by an Episcopal meeting on 14th March, 2001, was presided over by the
Primate of all Nigeria, the Most Rev.Peter J.Akinola, and attended by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria and Archbishop of
Province II, the Most Rev.Maxwell S.C.Anikwenwa, the Archbishop of Province I, the Most Rev.E.A.Ademowo, Clergy and Laity of
the three Provinces and 77 Dioceses making up the Church of Nigeria.
The Committee unanimously adopted the following communique:
"Be Ye Transformed"
The Church of Nigeria hereby calls on all Anglicans in particular and Christians as a whole to allow the transforming power of the
Holy Spirit to transform their lives in their homes, in the Church, in their business and places of work, and in their everyday lives.
Interminable Fuel Crisis
The Standing Committee noted the undoubted failure of the various measures introduced by the Federal Government to make
petroleum products regularly available and affordable throughout Nigeria. Reacting to the proposal by the Federal Government
to deregulate the petroleum industry as the best possible avenue for overturning the problem, the Church of Nigeria hereby
proposes the following line of action prior to any change of policy:
(a) The Federal Government should use the radio, television, and other appropriate channels to inform Nigerians on the full
implications of deregulation of the petroleum industry.
(b) The Federal Government should give reasons to justify its confidence in deregulation as the most appropriate solution to the
problem of irregular fuel supply.
(c) The Federal Government should introduce efficient monitoring machinery to prevent the importation of poor quality
petroleum products into the country.
The Menace of AIDS
Noting available statistics which reveal a high incidence of AIDS/HIV- positive in Nigeria, the Church of Nigeria hereby:
(a) Condemns the use of condoms for the prevention of AIDS in view of the encouragement of promiscuous sex, emphasising
that the use of condoms should be restricted to family planning by married couples.
(b) Counsels total abstinence from sex outside marriage.
(c) Calls on the Federal Government to adopt a positive attitude towards the impartial investigation of any local initiatives aimed
at finding a cure for AIDS.
(d) Encourages sustained education of the youth on the hazards of AIDS.
Clamour for Second Term of Office
While acknowledging that democracy allows for freedom of expression, the Church of Nigeria views with dismay the recent
clamour by some Nigerians for some present political leaders to be given an automatic second term of office. Accordingly, the
Church of Nigeria hereby:
(a) Calls on all political office holders to concentrate their efforts on making food available and affordable to all Nigerians,
promoting justice and security, and creating jobs for the growing army of unemployed youths.
(b) Urges political leaders to shun cheap publicity.
(c) Draws attention of political leaders to sizeable sections of the country that have not yet felt the impact of the present
administration on their lives.
(d) Pledges to continue to pray and offer advice without allegiance to any particular political party.
Conspicuous affluence among the Political Leadership
The Church of Nigeria expresses grave concern that while the overwhelming majority of Nigerians are subjected to indescribable
deprivation, political office holders at Federal, State and Local Government levels over-provide for themselves, amass wealth,
and live in conspicuous affluence out of public funds, and use their positions of power to intimidate the citizenry. The apparent
inability of the Federal Government to check this dangerous development casts doubt on the seriousness of its anti-corruption
and transparency policies. The Church of Nigeria accordingly demands an immediate change of heart on the part of the
nation's political leaders, and enjoins the Code of Conduct Bureau to live up to public expectations.
In this regard, the Church of Nigeria condemns in unequivocal terms the recent proposal by the Senate to facilitate purchase of
eight brand new jet planes for the President, the Vice-president, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Federation as insensitive, ill motivated, and unpatriotic.
Non-Payment of Salaries and Pensions
The Standing Committee appeals to all tiers of government to ensure prompt payment of salaries to civil servants, not only to
minimise the consequential hardship for their families, but also to create an environment conducive to checking corruption in
public office.
The Standing Committee further appeals to all tiers of government to evolve an efficient machinery to facilitate the payment of
gratuity and pensions to retired public servants as and when due. The committee reminds serving public servants who subject
pensioners to undue hardship and humiliation that they too will become pensioners one day.
Recourse to Court by the Federal Government
Whereas the Federal Government recently deemed it necessary to seek court pronouncements on the constitutional issue of
resource control over which it is in disagreement with State Governments, the Church of Nigeria hereby calls on the Federal
Government to be consistent by also seeking court pronouncements on another sensitive constitutional issue over which it has
been in disagreement with some State Governments, namely the Shari'a issue.
Frivolous Use of Public Funds
The Standing Committee noted media reports on donations of as much asN= 5 million by some holders of high political office at
a recent book launch in Lagos by a former Nigerian Head of State. The Committee condemns frivolous use of public funds,
especially at a time most Nigerians are deprived of the basic necessities of life, and hereby calls on all holders of political office
to demonstrate greater sensitivity and restraint in the use of public resources entrusted to their care.
Return of Schools
Concerned about the continued delay in the return of schools previously owned by missions and other private proprietors to
their original owners, the Church of Nigeria hereby calls on all affected State Governments to expedite action in this regard.
Appreciation
The Standing committee is immensely grateful to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Dr.Peter Odili for
addressing the meeting on 15th March, 2001, in the company of His Excellency the Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby, and
other members of his Executive council. The Church of Nigeria is particularly grateful to the Governor for his irreversible
decision to return schools to their previous proprietors.
The Standing Committee also expresses profound gratitude to the Lord Bishop of the Niger Delta Diocese, the Rt.Rev.G.Pepple,
the Chairman and members of the Planning Committee which organised the Standing Committee meeting, the entire
congregation of St. Cyprian's church, Port Harcourt, the Church of Nigeria Secretariat, and all others who toiled selflessly to
ensure the success of the meeting.
Ven. Samuel B.Akinola The Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola DD
General secretary Primate of All Nigeria