The Province of Niger Delta Diocese of Ikwerrre, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), will begin its first session of the sixth Synod with the theme: “Christian Welfare: A Refocus On Caring For The Needy” from Wednesday, July 5 to Sunday, July 9, 2023 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Okporowo Ogbakiri District Emolga, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. His Grace, Most Reverend Blessing C. Enyindah is the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta, as well as the Diocesan Bishop and President of the Synod. Archbishop Enyindah, who is also the third Archbishop of the Province and Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) shares his thoughts with CHRIS IREKAMBA on the importance of the synod, challenges in leading human beings, why the church is refocusing on caring for the needy, reason schools run by churches are very expensive, why government should engage in people-oriented programmes and projects, among other issues.
The Province of Niger Delta Diocese of Ikwerrre, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), holds its synod from July 5 to 9, 2023. What should the attendees expect from this year’s Synod?
The attendees should expect the exposition and teaching of the word of God for a better understanding and renewal of spiritual strength. You were elected Bishop of Ikwerre, Rivers State in 2007, and later succeeded the Most Reverend Tunde Adeleye, as the third Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta, consisting the Anglican Dioceses in Rivers, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states. How has it been?
It has not been easy. We are facing so many challenges; leading human beings is very difficult, especially the Church. But the grace of God has been there for us.
What are your visions for the dioceses under your control?
Our vision has been to evangelise and raise our members to be true believers of Jesus Christ, love and serve Him, live a life that positively impact on the society and strive to spend eternity in heaven.
There is a view that churches only focus on mundane things, instead of moulding members’ characters, which has resulted in so much evil in the society. What’s your take on this?
The church needs material things to achieve her spiritual mandate. That does not mean or make the church to focus on mundane things. The fact is that evil will continue to be, no matter what and how the church teaches and preaches against it because Satan is still at work with so many followers.
With the theme: “Christian Welfare: A Refocus On The Caring For The Needy,” are you saying the church is not caring enough for the needy in the church?
The Church has been doing her best in trying to meet the needs of some members in need, according to available resources. Of course, the need of all cannot be met and those whose needs are not met will usually complain that the Church is doing nothing. The Synod will discuss how it can meet the need of its members; that a better way to reach out to the needy.
The church accepts the Bible as its standard of faith, but when there is troubles it take them to court of law. Why?
The church exists in the civil society, where the people involved in a matter does not agree to settle a matter within Church Canon Laws and spiritual bidding the option will be to go to the civil court and nothing is wrong with this. After all, the civil laws are also rooted from Biblical principles of fairness, justice and equity.
Schools run by churches are expensive and out of the reach of the members. Why is this so?
Education in any part of the world is costly and anyone who wants to send his/her children to school must be ready to pay for it, especially if they want quality education. Again, those who claim to run free school are not being truthful. Somebody or group of people are paying the bills.
What is advice for the government?
Government should work to alleviate the suffering of the people. It should engage in people-oriented programmes or projects that will better the lives of the people. It is also very essential that leaders govern in the fear of God.
