By Solomon OKPO
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has elected four new bishops, including Ven. Dr. Kingsley Ogbonda as Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Uyo, following the conclusion of the Episcopal Synod held during the Advance Episcopal Consultation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, at the close of the synod’s deliberations at Our Saviour’s Chapel, University of Port Harcourt.
The newly elected bishops are Ven. Dr. Godwin Tersoo Simon Yakela (Diocese of Makurdi), Ven. Dr. Kingsley Ogbonda (Diocese of Uyo), Ven. Dr. Julius Oyediran (Diocese of Ekiti Oke), and Ven. Dr. Olayemi Fatusi (Awori Diocese).
Primate Ndukuba said the elections followed prayerful deliberations by members of the House of Bishops, adding that the bishops-elect would be consecrated during the General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, scheduled to hold later this year in the Diocese of Remo.
He described the elections as another milestone in the life and mission of the Church, noting that the bishops-elect would assume responsibility for the spiritual oversight of their dioceses, the advancement of evangelism, and the strengthening of the Anglican Communion in their respective jurisdictions.
Bishop Elect wife,
Anglican Diocese of Uyo
The Primate called on members of the Church to uphold the bishops-elect in prayers, asking God to grant them wisdom, strength, good health, humility and the grace to faithfully discharge the responsibilities of their offices.
Meanwhile, the Anglican Diocese of Uyo has dismissed reports suggesting that the election of its new bishop should be influenced by ethnic considerations.
Reacting to a publication by a local tabloid titled “Indigenous Anglican Faithful Demand Akwa Ibom Bishop Ahead of Episcopal Election,” the Diocese’s Communicator and Media Director, Ven. John Uzoma, Ph.D., described the report as misleading and distanced the Church from the alleged protest by a faceless group.
According to him, the Anglican Church does not determine the office of a bishop through politics, ethnicity or regional sentiments.
“The office of the Bishop is a holy order that is not tainted by politicking or ethnic considerations,” Uzoma said.
He explained that bishops are elected by the House of Bishops under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to provide each diocese with a shepherd possessing the spiritual gifts and anointing required to lead God’s people and advance the mission of the Church.
The clarification came shortly after the announcement of Ven. Dr. Kingsley Ogbonda as Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Uyo, effectively putting to rest the controversy generated by the earlier publication.
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