CCN SouthEast Zone Chairman, Dr. Levi Monanu (pointing) in a group photograph with other clergy men after the inauguration.
By Tony Adibe
The Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Diocese, His Eminence, Sosthenes Ikechukwu Eze, has charged the clergy to use their sermons to address the rising “Satanic cultural revivals, wickedness of terrorism and kidnappings” for ransom and hostage taking in the country.
Delivering a speech during the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), SouthEast Zone grand installation of the Chairman, Territorial Envoy Dr. Levi Monanu and official inauguration of her new Executive, Archbishop Eze asked Christian leaders to use their preachings to move against corruption in high and low places, low standard of education, incompetence in private and public institutions plus other vices that have affected Nigeria.
NewsBits reports that the grand installation and official inauguration, which was conducted by the National President of CCN, His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr. David O.C. Onuoha, was held at the Cathedral of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Independence Layout, Enugu, on Saturday.
Retired Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Diocese, Prof. Emmanuel Chukwuma, (r) and Emeritus Bishop Raphael Okafor at the event
The new CCN SouthEast Executive that was inaugurated comprised the Territorial Envoy Dr Levi Monanu (Chairman); Most Rev. Ibeawuchi Agwu- (Vice Chairman); Rev Dr. Steven Nlemchukwu (Secretary); Rev Dr. Samuel Ibemere (Assistant Secretary); Ben Dr J. C .Agbo (Treasurer); Lebechi Ogwo- (Financial Secretary); Bishop James Igwe (PRO); Very Rev Bart H. C. Ofoegbu (Legal Adviser); Ben. Pius Chukwu- (Welfare Officer 1); Rev Onyia Williams (Welfare Officer 11) and Rev Onyeaturuchi Emmanuel (Protocol).
Archbishop Eze told his listeners that their approach to the issues he raised “must not be in words only but in actions, because these days we have been speaking much of grammar with little or no action at all.”
He said: “It is very clear that the prophetic and righteous voice of the Church is almost gone from all spheres of influence in our nation, and we are rapidly sliding into total darkness.” He also warned against the implication of further delay without backing words with positive actions.
“If we delay further to wake up, we may be consumed. Daniel, Joseph, Martin Luther, and others did it in their generations, and we can do it in our generation as well, if we are willing and prepared to pay the price. We need to cry to the Holy Spirit to deliver us and make us prepared to honour His words and instructions,” he said.
Although Archbishop Eze lauded the CCN’s efforts to restore and enhance unity among Christians in Nigeria, he, however, emphasized that “much is left to be desired,” adding that “we have a lot of issues to put in place to ensure sustainability.”
According to him, “We need to enshrine in our formation at all levels of education and training, starting with primary education and across various theological formations. We need to teach ourselves and our children the essence and strength in unity across divides.”
He said that Christians ought to appreciate the beauty in their various styles of worship across denominations, stressing that “there’s real beauty in diversity and every liturgy is unique in itself.”
“Let’s continue to create fora for our corporate worship, services, and social interactions as a way to unite ourselves further. We can undertake programs, social services, and projects together as a means of further entrenching this unity amongst us,” Archbishop Eze said.
Earlier in his inaugural speech, the newly installed Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria, South East zone, Territorial Envoy, Dr Levi Monanu, assured that his administration “will continue to initiate programmes that strengthen love, equity and harmony across the land.”
Dr Monanu said they will encourage people to participate actively in politics by performing their civic responsibility. He said: “We will also encourage our people to rise to their civic duty, to get registered, obtain their voter’s cards, and vote credible leaders at all levels of governance.”
He also promised to secure the property belonging to the council, stressing that, “We are also grateful to God who has helped us thus far…we recently secured a large expanse of land at Owerri, Imo State, belonging to our women. In due course, we shall develop and put it into good use for the advancement of God’s kingdom and humanity. I shall continue to protect and secure the property belonging to the council in the zone.”
Dr Monanu also promised to promote the unity of Christians, peace, harmony, dialogue, reconciliation, and civic participation, encouraging everyone to register, collect their voter’s card, and vote wisely. According to him, the CCN under his watch, “will support men and women of vision, integrity, and impeccable character to lead, ensuring that the youth, women, and marginalized are included in the journey of faith and nation-building.”
The CCN SouthEast Zone Chairman further said: “Dearest Beloved, our calling is explicit: to unite in Christ, to walk in peace, and to take responsibility for shaping the future of our society. If we stand together, we will not only strengthen the church, but also secure a Southeast where faith inspires unity, unity sustains peace, and peace drives development.”
He thanked all who attended the occasion and prayed that God would guide their steps and bless the CCN Southeast Zone and Nigeria. But the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Lordship, RT. Rev. Prof. Sam Ike in his preaching, reminded Christians of the Great Commission, stressing that “Jesus committed to us” the ministry of evangelization.
Bishop Sam Ike (m) being honoured by the CCN SouthEast Zone Chairman, Dr Levi Monanu (l) during the event
“There are many with titles in the church, yet the labourers are few. Anytime you win a soul, heaven rejoices,” Ike said. Bishop Ike explained that Jesus prayed for “sanctification for us” to be pure, urging ministers and church leaders to “live a life of purity, knowing that without Holiness, nobody can see Christ.”
Ike advised leaders at different levels of government to run an inclusive government and shun discrimination. He urged the new Executive to build a fellowship of churches in Nigeria, work towards the unity in one Father, and build the capacity of member churches, reflecting the character of Christ.
NewsBits reports that the event featured the honouring of Archbishop Eze and other dignitaries by the CCN SouthEast Zone, and was well attended by Clergymen from different Christian denominations, family members of the CCN from the South East zone, and friends, as well as associates of the new Executive.
