As you may know we have just completed the General Synod of the Church of Nigeria during which we were privileged to welcome Archbishop Yong Ping Chung as an honoured guest. We also took a number of actions to clarify our commitment to the apostolic faith including amending our constitution. As you well know there are those who will seek to distort our intentions and I wanted to be sure that you heard from me before we meet face to face.

Our intention was to make clear that we are committed to the historic faith once delivered to the Saints, practice and the traditional formularies. We treasure our place within the worldwide family of the Anglican Communion but we are distressed by the unilateral actions of those provinces that are clearly determined to redefine what was once our common faith. We have now amended the language of our constitution so that those who are bent to walk a different path, may do so without us. We have chosen not to be yoked to them as we prefer to exercise our freedom to remain faithful. We continue to pray, however, that there will be a genuine demonstration of repentance.

We also made constitutional provision to extend pastoral care and Episcopal oversight to those of our people and others who are geographically separated from us but who share our faith convictions through the establishment of Convocations and Chaplaincies outside Nigeria. Other provinces have had such pastoral arrangements notably in Europe.

Our earnest desire is to see the fabric of our beloved Anglican Communion restored and our bonds of affection renewed through our common commitment to "God's Word written" (Article 20). We pray for Archbishop Rowan as we look forward to welcoming him to our gathering in Egypt. We await with eager anticipation all that the Lord will do in our midst.

To God be the Glory

Signed

(The) Most Rev. Peter J. Akinola