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INDIANAPOLIS, IN: Missionary Diocese of The Trinity Synod delegates called on to reject immorality, compromise, and modern idolatry
Synod affirms loyalty and membership to Anglican Church in North America. Praises new Archbishop Foley Beach
By David W. Virtue DD
www.virtueonline.org
August 11, 2014
The first synod of the Missionary Diocese of The Trinity (MDT), held at The Anglican Cathedral Church of the Resurrection July 17 – 20, congratulated and welcomed the Most Rev. Foley Beach on his election as the second Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and said it approved the conclave system by which the new leader was elected.
Meeting under the banner of “Vision: To harvest the World for Christ”, delegates and members from archdeaconries across Canada and USA said they would continue to be part of ACNA/CON (Church of Nigeria) and urged delegates not to allow anything to take the place of God, and its mission must be conscious of the return of the Lord. They stressed the need for the church to hold on to its heritage and emphasizes - Christianity as the only way of life that promises true eternal life.The synod also appreciated the support and encouragement received from the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) leadership. The MDT has members/archdeaconries across Canada and the USA.
In his sermon, The Most Rev Edmund Akanya, Bishop of Kebbi and Archbishop of Kaduna (Church of Nigeria) said as God’s creation, the church needs a spiritual circumcision to have any impact in this world. “It is time for the Church to break up its fallow ground (Hosea 10: 12). Our heart is a serious place where we need to allow God to perform his surgery. God is interested in our hearts and He is also calling the church to say no to all forms of immorality, compromise, unrighteousness and modern idolatry. We must not allow anything to take the place of God and our mission must be conscious of the return of the Lord.”
The archbishop stressed the need for the church to hold on to its heritage and emphasized that Christianity is the only way of life that promises true eternal life. “The soul of mankind is in danger without Jesus Christ. We must break up the fallow ground of our desires.” The archbishop also called upon the synod to shun anything and anyone that distracts it from its focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The theme of the synod was “Feed My Sheep”(John 21: 17). The Synod sees this as a clear command given to Peter and to all members of the Missionary Diocese of the Trinity as well as the Church world-wide. “We, therefore call on all who are called to minister to the flock of God everywhere to be faithful to this clarion call. The Synod remains forever grateful to the Almighty God for His love, care, provision and sustenance He has shown on the Missionary Diocese of the Trinity from inception to this present moment.”
The Synod condemned violence in the world including the activities of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria and other similar terrorist groups in the world. Synod members also called for the immediate release of the kidnapped Chibok girls and condemned bi-sexual relationships, viewing them as another aberration and dimension of rebellion against the clear will of God. The Synod sent condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the missing Malaysian plane shot down over the Ukraine and all other victims of natural disasters in any part of the world.
The Synod expressed its gratitude for the encouragement and support it has received from the Church of Nigeria, especially for its fathers in God who honored them with their personal presence and their ministrations in this Synod.
Mentioned were: The Most Rev. and Mama Edmund Akanya from Kaduna Province and Kebbi Diocese, Church of Nigeria, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Olusegun Adeyemi (Kwara Diocese), The Rt. Revd. Alex Chibuzo Ibezim (Awka Diocese), The Rt. Revd. Olusola Odedeji (Lagos West), and the Rt. Revd. Alfred Nwaizuzu (rtd). Support was also expressed for women in the church: Akanya, Mama Adeyemi, Mama Lady Nwaizuzu. Recognition was given to the four Archdeacons who came with the Bishop of Lagos West: Ven. Israel Owoyele (Festac Archdeaconry), Ven. Christopher Ayejoto (Agege Archdeaconry) Ven. Yemi Agbelusi (Opebi Archdeaconry) and the Ven. Abey Adeniji (The Administrative Assistant to the Bishop).
Some 40 priests from across Canada/USA with an equal number of lay synod delegates with five archbishops and numerous bishops read some 12 congratulatory messages received from archbishops and bishops across the globe.
The third session of the first synod will take place July 16th-19th 2015 at the Anglican Cathedral Church of the Resurrection, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
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