Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Bishops Hold Retreat at Ibru Centre, Agbarha Otor

by Peters Agamugoro | Jan 12, 2019 | Events, News

The Ibru International Ecumenical Retreat Agbarha – Otor, Delta State was the venue for the annual retreat of the Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev’d Nicholas D. Okoh, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Revd Ali Buba Lamido, all the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) from Monday 7th to Friday 11th of January, 2019.

The annual retreat of the bishops is to kick start start the year with special reflection and prayers.

The theme of this year’s retreat is The Integrity of the Church Today and Tomorrow.

The bishops devoted time to be alone with God for refreshment in God’s presence, for renewed vision and direction for leading the church of God in the year.

The retreat among other things featured quality sermons delivered during the Holy Communion Services and the Mattins, Bible studies and inspiring lectures delivered by very learned and experienced bishops.

The bishops were called to re-examine themselves and further commit themselves to God and to the duties for which God has called them.

In the opening sermon on Tuesday, the bishop of Ughelli Diocese – Rt. Rev. Dr. Cyril Odutemu on behalf of Bendel Province commended the Church for maintaining her integrity in her stand against the Revisionist agenda and same sex marriage. He challenged the bishops to rise up to defend and uphold their integrity and that of the Church in the midst of a nation that is bedeviled with many vices.

In tandem with this, the Archbishop of Kwara Province, the Most Rev. Dr. Olusegun Adeyemi, called on the participants to shun a life of hypocrisy and imbibe integrity because breaking the laws of God could provoke His anger which is very destructive. It is necessary for all Christians, Priests and bishops to exhibit good character which is necessary for their spiritual development and manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The Primate of All Nigeria charged the bishops to prove themselves men of integrity in their words and conduct both privately and publicly.

Prayers were said for the nation, particularly for peace in troubled areas and for a peaceful electoral process.

The meeting of the Board of Governors of the Trinity Foundation, under the trusteeship of which is the Ibru Centre also held at the time and was attended by the Director General, Ambassador Dr Dele Cole, Patriarch of Ibru family, Dr Goodie Ibru, the Archbishops and officials of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

The Programme ended with Episcopal Synod in which some new bishops were elected to join in the shepherd ship of the Church of God.