Commentary: Second Session Of The Fourth Synod Of Amichi Diocese

WRITTEN BY CHUKWUEBUKA CHUKWUEMEKA

Synod in the Anglican Church is an annual tradition that draws from the practice of the early church in Acts of the Apostles chapter 15. Thus, the Anglican Diocese of Amichi, this year, is meeting for the Second Session of her Fourth Synod. The Synod meeting, holding at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area from Wednesday, 5^th to Sunday, 9^th June, 2019, is special in many respects.

The theme of the synod, “Rediscovering and Harnessing the Ministry of the Laity for Holistic and Effective Church Growth in the Anglican Church”, clearly seeks to reposition the church and bring it back to where it rightly belongs-the laity. Biblically, the laity is the foundation, the driving force and the future of the church. All through the ages, the laity has played very critical roles in the affairs of God’s people.

In the Old Testament, Aaron was the high priest but Moses was the leader of God’s people. Prophet Amos was a herder, there were priests in Israel but God chose him to prophesy to His people. In the New Testament, Jesus did not choose any of the priests, Pharisees and teachers of the law. He chose ordinary fishermen, artisans and other social rejects without the theological skill.

When Christianity came to this part of the world, our forebears in the faith were unlettered men who accepted the message of salvation. They turned their backs on heathenism, not minding the cost. They cleared evil forests to build churches, broke taboos and age long cultural practices that contradicted the faith. Their faith and passion are the reason we have the faith we treasure today.

Today in modern society, lay people who make up the majority of church membership have critical roles to play in the church. The challenge is on lay members of the church to demonstrate the gospel and teachings of the church in their daily lives-in the markets, offices, workshops etcetera. If the world is to change, to the glory of God, lay people are to take up their cross daily and follow Christ in such a way that will be so visible to the world that they may see the reality of the gospel in everyday life.

In the Anglican Diocese of Amichi, the episcopacy of His Lordship, The Right Reverend Ephraim Okechukwu Ikeakor and Dame Nkem Ikeakor has, within 10 years, produced matchless results. Only in January this year, the Diocese of Amichi turned 10.

The 10^th anniversary of the Diocese’s inauguration and the consecration anniversary of the Bishop was a showcase of landmark achievements. The multimillion naira ultramodern new secretariat complex was dedicated, the adjoining Women Bethany House, shopping complex and College of Nursing Sciences, Diocesan Hospital Amichi were all dedicated by the Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, His Grace, The Most Rev’d. Nicholas Okoh.

In his characteristic manner, Bishop Ikeakor commenced the construction of a gigantic block of building to house the school of midwifery and school of public health at the College of Nursing Sciences, Amichi. This is another multimillion naira project that needs the support of all.

The second session of the fourth synod opens on Wednesday 5^th June at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew’s, Amichi. The opening service begins at 12noon where the Bishop will pronounce his traditional blessing on the land of Amichi. On Saturday, 8^th June at 10am, the Bishop will present his Presidential charge, which will be launched thereafter. This is an open invitation to all and sundry to come and hear the mind of God concerning us as leaders and citizens.

The grand finale of the synod events is the thanksgiving service on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 10am at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew’s, Amichi. That Episcopal service will also be an opportunity to raise funds in support of the various developmental projects of the Diocese, especially the school of midwifery/public health project.

The bulk of financial proceed from this year’s synod will be channeled to the development of infrastructure at the College of Nursing project site. In view of the second phase of accreditation for the College of Nursing project in November this year, all hands must be on deck to ensure that every necessary infrastructure is put in place before the accreditation visit.

Hence, all lovers of God and in particular lovers of Amichi Diocese and God’s anointed servant, Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor are hereby invited to join hands with the working Bishop of our time, the developer of men, the faithful steward of God’s resources, an astute manager of men and preacher of righteousness in bringing the kingdom of God closer to humanity. Your support will surely go a long way in accomplishing this.

Long live the Anglican Diocese of Amichi.Jesus Christ is our Sure Anchor!