THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTEENTH SYNOD HELD SUCCESSFULLY
Anglican Diocese of Warri
Held at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Warri | 3rd –7th May 2025
The First Session of the Fifteenth Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Warri commenced with the Diocesan Board on the 3rd; a grand opening service on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Warri. The service featured a colourful procession of the choir, legal luminaries, clergy, and was presided over by the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt Rev. Christian Ide, JP.
The guest preacher, The Rt Rev. Festus Uzorka Nwafili, Bishop of Ndokwa Diocese, delivered a powerful sermon titled “Christ’s Forgiveness: A Call to Forgive Others.” He emphasized the necessity of forgiveness as a Christian duty, urging believers to model Christ’s mercy and reject unforgiveness.
The Synod was honoured by the presence of the King of Agbarha Warri Kingdom, who offered goodwill, made donations, and reaffirmed the strong relationship between the Church and the traditional institution. The Archbishop of Bendel province, the Most Rev’d Dr Odutemu, and other invited bishops also graced the occasion, with the Archbishop leading a time of prophetic prayers and blessings.
During plenary sessions, the Synod received and deliberated on detailed reports from various arms of the Diocese, covering areas such as evangelism, theological education, youth development, infrastructure, and finance. Elections were held for key diocesan positions in a peaceful and transparent process, and the newly elected officers were charged with faithful and diligent service.
The Bishop’s Charge called for spiritual revival, unity, forgiveness, and the pursuit of holiness among clergy and laity. The Charge also highlighted the need for youth empowerment and practical Christian living.
In its communiqué, the Synod expressed:
Gratitude to God for His faithfulness and to all who contributed to the Synod’s success.
Concern over the worsening state of national insecurity, criticizing the government’s failure to protect its citizens, particularly Christian communities.
A call for a new Nigerian constitution to address foundational issues hindering national unity and development.
Commendation of the Delta State Government’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, especially infrastructural projects in Warri and Effurun, while urging equitable development across the state.
Caution regarding the reactions to ward delineation in the Warri Federal Constituency, calling for peaceful resolution and avoidance of past crises.
The Synod concluded with a joyful thanksgiving service and reaffirmed its commitment to biblical authority, Anglican tradition, and the Great Commission. It charged all Christians to embody the message of Christ’s forgiveness and become agents of peace and reconciliation in the Church and society.
