Take Responsibility, avoid exposing the sheep to danger, clergy wives told

The Ecclesiastical Province of Bendel, Diocese of Warri Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has ended its 2023 Clergy Wives’ Retreat with a call to take responsibility and avoid exposing the sheep to danger.

Held at the Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-otor, Delta State from August 28 to 30, 2023, the Rector, The Ven. Stephen Wolemonwu, speaking on the theme:“A Shepherd Or A Wolf?” taken from 1 Peter 5:2-4,stressed the attributes of a shepherd and wolf.

According to him, “the shepherd protects, provides and pursues wild animals away, and also shows Godly leadership.”

Explaining the difference betweena wolf and a shepherd, Wolemonwu said:“While the wolf is a wild carnivorous animal, fierce, aggressive, giving to fighting andkilling, the shepherdcoordinates the herds; he is a calm leader.

He enjoined Christians to always take responsibility, because when we fail to take responsibility, we indirectly expose the sheep to danger.

The Guest Preacher, Rev’d Canon Innocent Ereridjere,highlighted the differentroles clergy wives play in the church and that of a shepherd.

While handling the health talk, which focused on infection control system, Mrs. Philomena O. Dominic admonished clergy’swives to be cautious while controlling infections in their communities.

Day 2 began with a prayer walk, which started at 5:30am and thereafter a medical screening for all. The number of women that turned out for the health session was so encouraging and drugs for different ailments were generously shared.

The retreat afforded the women the opportunity to pray for their husbands, the church and Nigeria as a whole.

Day 3featured praise and worship session and was lead by Mrs. Patience Okpako Ide (Mama Warri).