Bolaji Obabiyi (intern)
The African Church Cathedral of St. James has called on members across Nigeria to embrace unity, humility and spiritual renewal stressing that peace and restoration within the church can only be achieved through humility, prayer and godly leadership.
Penpushing reports that the grand patron of the church, Osile Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso made the call at the 6th National Biennial Conference held at the African Church Cathedral of St. James, Idi-Ape, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
The royal father at the conference, hosted by the Egba Diocese, Abeokuta, Nigeria, themed: “At All Times: The Voice of an Unsilenced Church,” drawn from Psalm 34:1 , urged members of the church to shun division, bitterness and pride
Penpushing further reports that he described the conference as a significant moment in the history of the church, noting that the African Church has survived over the years not by accident, but through grace, sacrifice and committed leadership across generations.
The Karunwi III, Oranmiyan recalled that African Church was founded on the principles of identity, dignity, self-expression and spiritual independence, adding that its foundation remains rooted in the word of God, sound doctrine and orderly administration.
Penpushing also reports that Tejuoso emphasized the need for members and leaders of the church to embrace reconciliation and unity, warning that envy, strife and factionalism remain dangerous threats to the body of Christ.
“We need to let go of strife, envy and division. We must consciously and deliberately renounce all forms of bitterness, jealousy and factionalism. They are not just human weaknesses, they are spiritual venoms,” he said.
Penpushing reports that the royal father equally charged church leaders to lead with integrity, humility and accountability, saying the church must remain united under the leadership of Jesus Christ.
“No lasting peace can be achieved without divine intervention. We must return to the altar of praise and prayer. We must humble ourselves before God because pride goes before destruction,” he added.
Penpushing further reports that, the former Lay President and current Patron of The African Church, Ebenezer Olubukunola Okunahwo, in his remarks described the biennial conference as a vital platform for reviewing the activities of the church over the last two years and preparing for the future.
The church patron acknowledged the internal challenges currently facing the church, but expressed confidence that God would restore peace and stability.
“Wherever you have people together, misunderstandings may occur occasionally. But by the grace of God, the Lord will take control and peace shall reign in the church,” he stated.
Penpushing also reports that, the Primate and President of the Conference, His Eminence Augustine Afolabi Odufuwa welcomed delegates from different provinces and dioceses across the country, commending them for their commitment and sacrifices in attending the historic conference.
The Primate expressed profound gratitude to the Grand Patron, Oba Tejuoso, for his generosity, support and unwavering commitment to the church, especially during periods of crisis.
Penpushing reports that he equally appreciated archbishops, bishops, clergy, church elders and members who stood firmly for the church during difficult times, describing them as the heartbeat that sustained the institution.
The Primate reflected on the historical origin of The African Church, explaining that it emerged in 1901 following the struggle of African Christians for self-governance, cultural identity and freedom within the Christian faith.
Penpushing further reports that he noted that St. James’ Cathedral, Idi-Ape, established in 1917, remains one of the oldest and most significant cathedrals within the denomination and has continued to serve as a centre for worship, spiritual growth and community development.
The Primate thanked God for His blessings upon members of the church, including promotions, successful projects, graduations and other achievements recorded within the period under review.
Penpushing also reports that he, however, commiserated with members who lost loved ones, particularly victims affected by insecurity and insurgency in parts of the country, including Makurdi and Benue Provinces.
The conference also featured prayers for peace, unity and the continued growth of The African Church, with church leaders urging members to remain steadfast in faith and committed to spreading the gospel.
Penpushing reports that Odufuwa charged members of the church to remain courageous and vocal in defending truth and righteousness, describing The African Church as “an unsilenced voice” in society.
“Go from this place renewed, refocused and reignited. Go and let the world hear from you the voice of a church that will not bow, will not break and will not be silenced’, he emphasized
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