The highlights of the Primatial visit, which was the first since Ndukuba became the Primate, included the dedication of the $5 million newly built Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of the West in Houston, Texas, also under the Bishopric of Bishop Felix Orji; and a fraternal visit to the Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), who is also the Chairman of the Primates’ Council of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), the Most Rev’d Foley Beach. He also met and had interaction with members of the three Dioceses of the Church of Nigeria in North America such as Anglican Diocese of the Trinity (ADOTT), Anglican Diocese of the West (ADOTW) and Diocese of Joint Chaplaincy (JAFC).
Ndukuba underscored the importance of evangelistic mission as a matter of priority and urged the members of CONNAM to work together in unity, ensure respect for the leadership of the Church, work as ministry partners with ACNA and uphold the Anglican tradition, under the authority of Scripture. He stated that the Church of Nigeria will not be creating any more dioceses in North America, but will rather strengthen the existing ones and carry out the mission through them. He encouraged the Coordinating Bishop of CONNAM, Bishop Felix Orji to guide the mission towards God’s glory and avoid distractions that hinder the mission of God.
The climax of the visit was the dedication of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Houston, Texas, which was graced by over 15 Archbishops and Bishops from both CON and ACNA, including Dean CON, the Most Rev’d Buba Lamido; Bishops of Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev’d Owen Nwokolo; Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev’d James Odedeji; Diocese of Lagos Mainland; Rt. Rev’d Pelu Johnson; Diocese of Owo, Rt. Rev’d Stephen Fagbemi; Derek Jones (JAFC) and the Suffragan Bishops of CONNAM.
Other dignitaries at the dedication service included Mama Nigeria, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba; Registrar CON, Barrister (Dr.) Abraham Yisa; General Secretary CON, Ven. (Dr.) Gershinen Paul Dajur; Personal Assistant to the Primate, Ven. (Dr.) Olayemi Fatusi and CONNAM Chancellor, Attorney Muyiwa Sobo.
The host Bishop, the Rt. Rev. (Dr) Felix Orji while commenting on the Cathedral, said: “My hope is that this Cathedral will be a place for all nations and all people to come and worship God in Spirit and truth, get converted, feed on scripture, learn humility, obedience and faithfulness to God, be empowered and equipped to go out as disciples of Christ to make more disciples of Christ. We want to be instruments in God’s hand to engender reconciliation with God through faith in Christ alone and horizontal reconciliation with others through the work of the Holy Spirit under the authority of Scripture.”
Ndukuba ended his visit with Eucharistic worship at the All Saints Anglican Church, Houston Texas, USA, last Sunday.
(The Rt. Rev. (Dr) Felix Orji is Diocesan Bishop of the West Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of CONNAM and the Venerable Dr. Paul G. Dajur is General Secretary of the CoN).
