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.
St Luke’s Church was agog as the third Session of the Fourteenth Synod kicked off with the Diocesan Board meeting, presided over by the Diocesan and President of Synod, His lordship, the Rt Rev’d C E Ide, JP. In attendance were our beloved mother in Israel, Mrs Patience O. E. Ide, the Chancellor, Justice Z Smith and the legal team, Diocesan Officials, Clergy and Laity.
Quote Overcoming requires complete dependence on God’s directions, for a purposeful living, for fulfilment and strength – Bp Ide
Synod theme His lordship announced that the theme and text for the Synod is *Overcoming: The birthright of Christians (1 John 5:5).
This shall be fully explored in the sermons, bible studies and in the the Bishop’s Charge.
Highlights Highlights of the Board included the presentation of various reports, which were duly discussed. His lordship called for prayers about the Igbudu land, which is still in court.
Decision was taken on how to sponsor more of our youths to the Joshua Generation International Youth Conference, as its impact have been tremendous.
His lordship also announced his daughter’s wedding coming up June 1, 2024,
To round off the events of the day, the lord Bishop announced it was the Chancellor’s birthday, today. He led the board to sing for him. A cake was presented in his honour with refreshments distributed to all. After which the Ven. Friday Ejemrae, was asked to pray for him.
On the 18th day of November 2023 will go down the history books as a memorable day for Diocese of Warri as she held a one-day synod, at St. James’ church, Oviorie Ovu.
The synod started with a Holy Eucharist service at 10am, with the Diocesan and President of Synod, His lordship, the Rt Rev’d. Christian Esezi Ide, JP, presiding. His lordship also delivered the sermon. Theme: The Upward Way Text: Genesis 28:12ff
He emphasized the need for the Diocese to move forward. He charged Synod delegates to resolve to be led by the Holy Spirit in the various areas we need to decide on today as the Diocese has no other option than to move to the next level.
“After the Eucharistic service, the plenary section immediately followed with the President of Synod presiding.”
The President of Synod informed the house of the need to gather for a day synod which is a practice in the Church of Nigeria, when there is an urgent issue that only synod can resolve.
Firstly, was the vacant office of the synod clerical secretary – this need arose due to the fact that the former synod clerical secretary in person of Ven. Dr Robinson Orido, has relocated to the United Kingdom with his family.
Secondly, the future of the Diocese in respect of having a sustainable investment that will benefit her.
His lordship also informed Synod that in line with the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) directive, all Dioceses are to be identified with the words ‘Diocese of’ preceding its name. As such, a resolution is needed to register the Diocese with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as the “Diocese of Warri” (Anglican Communion). Following a voice vote, Synod unanimously voted in support of the ratification.
The President of synod, made it known to synod that synod cannot continue, without the synod clerical secretary, who also is a principal signatory and an incorporated trustee of the Diocese. An election was conducted and the Rev’d Canon Peters Agamugoro, Ph.D was elected the new synod clerical secretary.
The next concern, focusing on the Diocese’s future and its pursuit of a sustainable investment for the benefit of the Diocese, involved a proposal to establish a Microfinance Bank. Numerous discussions and informative sessions were conducted on this matter. After an extensive deliberation, both the houses of clergy and laity unanimously agreed to proceed with establishing the Microfinance Bank.
The Rt Rev’d & Mrs C. E Ide, JP
The proposed name for the bank is ‘Divine Stairway Microfinance Bank, as given by the Diocesan and President of Synod. The Bishop charged the committee to proceed with the preparations and set out the modalities for the bank to swiftly takeoff.
