Nigeria's Bishop Refuses to Attend Council Alongside ECUSA

"Archbishop Akinola is baffled that the Anglican Communion Office (ACO) continues to act as if what ECUSA did does not really matter"

Voicing a clear objection to the ordination of homosexual bishops in the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Nigeria refused an invitation to join the Joint Standing Committee of the Primates, which began on March 1, 2004, because of the attendance of a representative from the Episcopal Church.

Archbishop Peter Akinola’s statement, which reached the Anglican Communion Office in London last week, reinforced the divisive threats that arose within the 77-million member denomination following last November’s consecration of the openly gay Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church USA – the U.S. branch of the worldwide Communion.

In his statement, Archbishop Akinola, leader of 20 million Nigerian members, said that if he should attend a meeting with representatives of the ECUSA, he would “undermine the Nigerian Church’s position” on the issue of ordaining homosexual bishops.

"Archbishop Akinola is baffled that the Anglican Communion Office (ACO) continues to act as if what ECUSA did does not really matter," said the Venerable Oluranti Odubogun, the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, who also re-affirmed earlier statements from the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) that condemned the US Church for Bishop Robinson's consecration. "By carrying out the consecration of Bishop Robinson ECUSA has 'removed itself from the fellowship of the Communion.'"

Currently, 13 of 38 of the diocese in the Communion joined hands against the events that propagated in the ECUSA. They have called upon the leader of the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, to take action or speak out against the consecration; Williams has yet to comment.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.