We’re trying to consolidate on existing structure, create holistic Anglican Church — Anyim

• We’re Begging All ConcernedTo Call Off Sit-at-home Order, Seek Another Means For Kanu’s Release

The Ecclesiastical Province of Aba, Diocese of Isuikwuato-Umunneochi Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), holds its first session of the sixth synod at St. Stephen’s Church, Amokwe Amiyi (Ogboro Junction), Isuikwuato Local Council of Abia State from Thursday, August 31 to Sunday, September 3, 2023 with the theme: “Hypocrisy, The Cancer Of Religion” taken from Matthew 23:28; John 6:28. The presidential address of the Bishop’s Charge will hold on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 10am, while on Sunday, September 3, 2023, the synod rounds off with Thanksgiving Service at 10am. In this interview with CHRIS IREKAMBA, the Bishop and president of the synod, the Right Reverend Prince Christian C. Anyim speaks on the event, what religious leaders in the South East are doing to reverse the negative impact of sit-at-home order,among others.

What must members of the church do to get the best from the programme?
MEMBERS should prepare themselves spiritually, financially, and also be ready to publicise the Synod. They should equally ensure that they attend the programme.

Your were translated last year as Bishop of the Diocese of Isuikwuato-Umunneochi, what innovations are you bringing on board? I was not translated as a Bishop, but was elected as the third Bishop of Isuikwuato-Umunneochi. By the grace of God, I am trying to consolidate on the existing structure and to ensure that we create a holistic Anglican Church.

From the position of a Canon you became a Bishop, why is it so for you?
The Anglican Communion can elect a Bishop from the rank of a Canon, in addition to other requirements, to become a Bishop. By the grace of God, I met all the requirements.

The synod being the highest decision making body of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, do you think it has really fulfilled its objectives in the life of members and the church in general?
The Synod in most cases in the rural areas do not met its expectations, but we are trying to build on the aims of the Synod in the life of the people, even though my predecessor have tried to inculcate that, but we are still progressing.

What are the clerics doing to mitigate the challenges the sit-at-home order in the South Easthas created for people ofthe region?
Men of God are trying to inform the people about theimpact the sit-at-home order have created, especially the negative aspects of it. We are begging all concerned to call it off and seek for another means torelease Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Your schoolmate is now the Abia State Governor. What is your advice for him and others in power?
I am so happy to see my schoolmate as the governor of Abia State. His election came at a time the state needs a saviour, because a lot of things have happened in the state. I pray he will not be distracted and for God to continue to guide and protect him.