You are here
NIGERIA: Primate calls on persecuted Christians to remain faithful
By Gavin Drake
ACNS News Service
July 25, 2016
The Primate of Nigeria, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, has called on Christians in the north of the country to remain faithful despite an onslaught of persecution. Speaking at a service of consecration of three new bishops and the presentation of the new provincial Dean, and the new Archbishop of Lagos, Archbishop Okoh urged Christians to follow the biblical example and defend their faith even against threats of death.
"It was so in the Bible time. If you read Revelation, you will find out that it is not new," Archbishop Okoh told the Vanguard newspaper. "What we charge them is to be diligent in prayer, monitor their environment and stand firm in the Lord. Those in the volatile areas should pray and wait on the Lord, follow the examples of Christian leaders of old, some of them even died in order to defend their faith. They should not sell out but be strong and defend their faith."
The Bishop of Lagos West, James Olusola Odedeji, called on the government at all levels to "ensure that lives and properties are protected."
The service took place at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in Ikeja, Lagos. Israel 'Kelue Okoye, Akinpelu Johnson, and Abel Ajibodu were consecrated as bishops of Ihiala, Lagos Mainland, and Ile-Oluji.
The Bishop of Umuahia and Archbishop of Aba Province, the Most Revd Ikechi Nwosu, was presented as the provincial Dean of the Church of Nigeria. And the Bishop of Remo, the Rt Revd Michael Olusina Fape, was installed as the new Archbishop of Lagos.
END
