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.
Tues 28th may/1st June 2024 were two remarkable days to remember as the Bishop of the Diocese of Warri, (Anglican Communion), his lordship, Rt. Revd and Mrs C. E Ide, JP Joyfully gave their only Daughter, Christabel Ide to Meshack Enemanya in traditional Marriage at the Bishopcourt, Warri and Wedding at St. Stephens Anglican church off Jakpa road Effurun.
It was a colourful and well attended ceremony with the creme de la cream of the Society, Delta state and beyond. Royal father’s including the Orodje of Okpe, the Bishop’s King were in Attendance for both days. Top Government Functionaries with the representatives of the past and present Governors were also in Attendance.
Most Interestingly, it was a colourful Episcopal Service with the presence of the Archbishop/Bishops of Bendel province in Attendance. The house of Clergy/ Wives were not left out.
It was all Pop and Pageantry as Guests were treated to a tasteful and lavish reception held at the Land of rest and New things N.P.A express road off Chevron clinic Road Edjeba Warri. All thanks to God Almighty for Making this Union a reality. And thanks to those who worked tirelessly behind the scene, to make it a Success, may God bless you all abundantly.. We wish the Newly wedded Couple a Blissful and Happy Married life.
It was joy all over the Diocese of Warri (Anglican Communion) today as the news of the compassionate gesture of the Diocesan, the Rt Revd Christian E Ide, JP filtered to the clergy and members, that financial palliatives has been approved for disbursement to 1,113 vulnerable – widows, orphans, low income and disadvantaged members drawn from 77 out of the total number of Churches in the Diocese.
This is to help cushion the pressure of the ongoing lockdown in the state due to the covid19 pandemic.
May God bless our lord Bishop and our amiable mother in Israel, The Rt Rev’d & Mrs C E Ide, JP and the people of the Diocese of Warri in Jesus name.
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.
