Anglican Bishop Laments High Rate Of Unemployment, As Synod Ends

THE Diocese of Ogbomosho, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), recently held its second session of the Third Synod. The four-day programme held at All Saints’ Anglican Church, Apake, Ogbomosho from May 7 to10, with the theme: “The Cost of Christian Commitment” witnessed a mammoth crowd of the faithful.
Delivering his charge, the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Titus Babatunde Olayinka, explained the cost of Christian commitment and what it entails to be Christ’s disciple.

Reading from Luke 14:25-31, the cleric enumerated four important issues in the passage. They are Crowds, Cost, Counting the cost and Consequences. He said a successful ministry is considered by many to be a situation where the pastor, overseer or bishop can buy jets easily and live in opulence. “But Jesus, however, does not seem to think so. He advanced from feeding them with spiritual milk to the high level of cracking spiritual bones. ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters yes, even his own life he cannot be my disciple….’

The cleric told the delegates that to be a disciple of Jesus may cost them change in relationships, lifestyles and possessions. Invariably, this triple challenge might cost them to change their jobs, the country they live in, how they spend their money, time, what they wear, what they own and watch on television.

Commenting on state of the nation, Olayinka said the thought of God towards Nigeria is great, but as a result of corruption, bad blood-politics, wickedness, selfishness, lack of religious tolerance and lack of fear of God, Nigeria is what it is today. He commended the courage and humility of President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting the presidential election results for the first time without rancour. It was a demonstration of maturity and contentment.

While congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari and the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on their successes at the just concluded polls, he prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom in steering the affairs of the nation and the state responsibly.

He lamented the rate of unemployment and charged the leadership to do something in this regard.

In his goodwill message, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Akinfenwa commended the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Titus Olayinka, for his sagacity and articulation in preparing and presenting his address without fault. He also congratulated the diocese for having a caring, dynamic, committed and focused pastor as their bishop.