THE Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), His Grace, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has urged Anglican leaders to focus on true biblical teachings, decolonisation, economic independence, and security to foster an authentic African Christian life.
Archbishop Ndukuba made the call at the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) retreat in Abuja on Friday 12th of July, 2024. The Primate of Nigeria who is hosting the retreat emphasised the importance of unity and the unique role of African Anglican leaders in addressing the continent’s challenges.
The retreat, which gathers Anglican Primates and wives from across Africa, aims to strengthen bonds of friendship and collaboration while addressing the continent’s pressing issues.
He highlighted the theme of the retreat, “CAPA: An Instrument of Authentic Life for Africa,” taken from the book of 1 John 5:20, urged leaders to uphold the orthodox Christian faith and African values.
“The Church of Nigeria is honoured to host this esteemed gathering. Our theme resonates deeply with our shared commitment to the living God and the authority of Scripture, especially in these times of confusion and moral crisis,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s diverse cultural and economic landscape, Archbishop Ndukuba addressed the pressing issues of insecurity and the need for economic independence from foreign powers.
He criticised the influence of international bodies like the IMF and World Bank on African economies and called for a proactive theological commission to address African Christian spirituality.
Primate Ndukuba also touched on the impact of external pressures on African values, particularly concerning human sexuality and marriage. He advocated for a rediscovery of authentic African Anglicanism, one that is self-propagating, self-sustaining, and self-governing.
“In a world filled with counterfeit gospels and false promises, we are called to be instruments of authentic life. As leaders, we bear the responsibility of upholding the faith once delivered to the saints and proclaiming the Good News of Salvation to our beloved continent.”
He called for action, urging leaders to renew their commitment to spreading the Gospel and fostering peace, love, and reconciliation across Africa.
“May we leave Abuja with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to our mission,” he said.
Corroborating Primate Ndukuba, the former Primate, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, urged African Anglican leaders to prioritise decolonization, economic independence, and security to achieve an authentic African life.
He questioned the inconsistency of condemning traditional practices like polygamy while accepting foreign values such as LGBTQ rights, labeling it a form of neo-colonialism.
Archbishop Okoh called for the establishment of a proactive theological commission to address African Christian spirituality.
He stressed the importance of economic independence, critiquing the influence of international bodies like the IMF and World Bank on African economies.
He also underscored the need for improved security and food security to prevent dependency on foreign powers.
He urged CAPA leaders to think critically about these issues and work towards genuine African authenticity.
Also speaking, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama advocated unity and cooperation among Christian denominations in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Africa.
Represented by Rev. Fr Robert Achiaga, Archbishop Kaigama commended the Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, for fostering fraternal relations between the Anglican and Catholic churches.
Dwelling on the theme, he emphasised the need for solidarity in tackling issues such as governance, social justice, and economic empowerment.
Archbishop Kaigama’s message reiterated the significance of “Fratelli Tutti” – a call for universal brotherhood and cooperation, as advocated by Pope Francis.
On his part, the President of CAN, His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, admonished Anglican Leaders to Uphold African Christian values.
Archbishop Okoh, who was represented by Bishop Michael Akpami, stressed the critical need for unity and moral fortitude among Christian leaders in Africa amid prevailing existential challenges.
Archbishop Okoh lauded the Anglican leaders for their unwavering commitment to spreading faith, hope, and love across the continent.
He emphasised the importance of remaining steadfast in African Christian values despite increasing pressures to conform to foreign ideologies.
“This is indeed a trying time for all of us in Africa as we grapple with challenges that threaten peace, development, and unity. We are also faced with a moral crisis that seeks to erode the age-old values of the African Christian,” he added.
The CAN President expressed his hope that the retreat would foster fruitful discussions and strengthen the bonds among Anglican leaders, enabling them to devise actionable plans for addressing the continent’s challenges.
The CAPA (Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa Primates) meeting, which held from July 10 to July 15 at the National Secretariat of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Abuja, provides a platform for meaningful discussions and strategic planning to advance the mission of the Anglican Church in Africa as convened by the Chairman of the Council, The Most Rev’d Dr. Albert Chama who is the Primate of the Church of the Province of Central Africa.
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