You’re a model for others to emulate, Orji praises Ndukuba

Coordinating Bishop of the Church of Nigeria North American Mission (CONNAM), Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Felix Orji has described the ministry of the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, as exemplary and a model for others in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) to emulate.

This was contained in a welcome address, which he presented to the Primate and his entourage during their visit to the United States of America (USA) for the dedication of Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, Houston, Texas on June 26, 2021. 

Orji, who appreciated the mission focus and prioritisation of the reign of God by the Primate, said he has demonstrated “what it means to be a godly, irenic, evangelistic, mission-minded, gracious, and disciplined leader.”

Commending the doggedness and versatility of Ndukuba’s ministry, Orji said: “Your Grace’s record of rugged evangelism in Northern Nigeria, of suffering, and courage for the sake of the gospel is remarkable. By the grace of God, you have remained undaunted despite adversities, the burning of your house, and assassination attempts on your life. Undeterred and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, you have demonstrated your love for the poor and oppressed by serving the community, building schools and medical facilities wherever God has allowed Your Grace to serve. We are thankful to the Lord that our Primate is a dedicated missionary, liturgist, educator, and humble preacher of the Word of God.

“We believe that by the end of your primacy, we will look back with thanks to God that this season was indeed a season in which we experienced and submitted ourselves to the reign of God in all aspects of the Church of Nigeria. Thank you for being a good example and model for us in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).”

Orji stated that the Church of Nigeria North American Mission (CONNAM), which comprises the Anglican Diocese of the West (ADOTW) led by Bishop Felix Orji and assisted by two Suffragans – Bishops Scott Seely and Celestine Ironna; the Anglican Diocese of the Trinity (ADOTT) also currently under the supervision of Bishop Felix Orji and assisted by three Suffragans – Bishops Kayode Adebogun, Martyn Anagbogu and Augustine Unuigbe; and the Diocese of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy (JAFC) led by Bishop Derek Jones, has the mission to reach Nigerians and others in North America with the gospel of Christ.

“We are not here to build a legacy and kingdom for ourselves. Rather, we are here to make disciples for Christ and draw people into the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.

Orji, who is also Bishop of the Diocese of the West, whose Cathedral was dedicated by Ndukuba at Houston, said the Diocese has approximately 90 clergy in more than 50 churches, spread out over 14 US states, four Canadian Provinces, and the Persian Gulf. He said the new Cathedral is the second Cathedral of the Diocese.

The first was a historic Cathedral in El Paso, Texas, St. Francis Cathedral Church. 

The headquarters of the Diocese was, however, moved in 2009 to Holy Trinity Church in Houston, Texas, to make it more central and efficient. The Parish of Holy Trinity purchased the land for the building of the new Cathedral in 2011. The foundation was laid in 2017; while construction commenced in 2018. He appreciated the former priest of the Cathedral, Very Rev. (Dr.) Godson Paul-Nzeh, current Archdeacon, Ven. Chukwuma Ubadinobi, along with his wife, Ijeoma and dedicated team of clergy and lay leaders, especially the Building Committee and its Chairman, Dr. Charles Udolisa and the Dedication Committee and its Chairman, Sir Charles Onuogu.