Church Of Nigeria Convokes Theological Conference

AT the instance of the Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh, the Church of Nigeria is holding Theological Consultation Conference at the Ibru Ecumenical Centre from June 2 to 5, 2015. The conference will have in attendance, the Primate of All Nigeria, Dean, Church of Nigeria, All Archbishops and Bishops, Clergy of Church of Nigeria, Vice Chancellors and Registrars of Anglican owned Universities, Deans/Rectors and some lecturers in all Theological Colleges of Church of Nigeria, lecturers in Departments of Religious Studies in Nigerian Universities, elsewhere and Lay members with Theological Educational Qualifications among others.

The Primate shall give the keynote address and there will be an interactive session with him during the conference. This, it is hoped, will offer participants an ample opportunity to air their views on issues bothering their minds overtime in ministry freely without fear of any form of reprisal.

This epoch-making conference is, therefore, put in place to re-awaken theological consciousness among the Clergy and the Lay within the Communion. The theme is: ‘Theological Education and Church Ministry in the Modern Society.’ The timing of the conference is very apt, given the fact that we have many polemical writings and false teachings springing up here and there, which if not properly guarded, will erode the faith of believers; moreso, as the Bible had warned earlier: ‘believers should not allow themselves to be blown about by wind of doctrine.’

Interestingly, the conference will further examine issues on Theological Education and Church Ministry, as it relates to the global context generally and Nigerian context in particular. Some sub-themes on which participants are free to present papers include: Theological Education as a tool for Reformation of Church and Society, Spiritual Formation in Anglican Theological Colleges, Modern Trends in Global Theological Education, The Role of Theological Education in the Failure and Decline of the Church in the Western World, Theological Perspectives and Positions of GAFCON, Indigenising Theological Education in Africa, Theological Educators – their Lives and Works, Orthodoxy and Liberalism in Theological Education, Revisionism of the Bible and Anglican Liturgy: A Critical Review among others.

The choice of Ibru Centre as the venue for this conference is highly instructive. Apart from its serene nature, it has suitable residential accommodation and conference halls, resourceful kitchen and a spacious chapel for the spiritual direction of participants. It is note worthy that the Centre could easily be accessed from many parts of the country, whether by road or by air. Those who may wish to fly may come through Osubi Airport in Warri or Benin International Airport.

The international scholar and Bishop Theologian, Rt. Rev. (Prof.) Dapo Asaju, the Rector of Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta, Ogun State, would coordinate the conference. Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), is once again on the move. This time, it targets both the Lay and the Clergy for their spiritual formation. Its voice should be heard, but it believes that this convocation will go a long way in helping it to be a voice to be reckoned with, as they labour as a communion to contribute to the physical and spiritual wellbeing of society. This is a task it has set to achieve and participants are called upon to come with full expectation and with open mind in order to benefit immensely from this conference. Therefore, we at Ibru Centre can only pray earnestly that the event would be a huge success. You are welcome!

Ven. Ernerst Onuoha,
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
Www.Ibrucentre.Org