By Emeka Odogwu
The Anglican Diocese of Lafia, led by His lordship Rt Rev Godwin Adeyi Robison, had her 2nd Session of the 9th Synod with the Theme: Keep the flame alive on the altar, Leviticus 6:13 at St Peter’s Anglican Church Keffi, with Synod passing a no confidence vote on the Judiciary.
The synod, led by Bishop Robinson expressed with disappointment the erosion of Public Confidence in the Judiciary saying that once revered as the last hope of the common man, the Judiciary now faces widespread distrust.
The synod said the Judicial corruption, political interference, delayed justice, and conflicting judgments have eroded confidence in the courts.
The lamentable phrase “Go to court” has become an expression of futility and sarcasm.
He also tasked the government of all levels, on the need to improve security and public trust, saying that insecurity remains the most critical challenge confronting Nigeria today. From Boko Haram insurgency to IPOB agitations, rampant banditry, and recurring farmer-herder clashes, the nation continues to reel under waves of violence and unrest, among other national issues.
The Synod concluded with a thanksgiving service whose sermon was preached by Rt Rev Dr Olumuyiwa O Ajayi Bishop of Diocese of Pankshin. In the sermon taken from the synod theme, the bishop explained the text as a command, or authoritative speech by God , saying that failure to carry it out is a rebellion. The fire must be continually burning. He stressed that the fire is not limited to the clergy alone but also the laity compare with 1 Peter 2: 9 where believers are referred to as royal priesthood. Fire carrier must be fearless, determined, intentional avoid compromise so as to deal deal contrary powers.
According to Rev Canon Isaac Onwusongaonye, the Diocesan Media Director the Opening service Sermon and Bible study were anchored by Ven Oliver Ofoegbu the Director of Mission and Evangelism Church of Nigeria.
In his sermon taken from the theme text, Ven Ofoegbu described the synod as a retreat due to the theme and the experience so far recorded saying that in this meeting, we look at ourselves and what God wants us to do comparing it with what we are doing.
Furthermore, he said that it is not enough to be born in a priestly family because much is expected. In the text, the priests were to make fire and sacrifice.
The preacher decried the level of spiritual sickness ravaging mankind, stressing that God is looking for partners to work with. He said that for you to be a partner you must be disciplined, redeemed, trained and prepared, stressing that someone needs to pray because there are promises by God for us. There is need for intercessors like Abraham who prayed for Sodom and Gomorrah
The President of the Synod, Rt Rev Godwin Adeyi Robinson presented his Charge to the Synod on the theme: KEEP THE FLAME ON THE ALTAR Leviticus 6:13. He described burnt offering as a voluntary, daily sacrifice of total consecration saying that it represents:
A perpetual commitment to God.
A symbol of God’s presence.
The responsibility of the priesthood to sustain the altar fire without fail.
The bishop also said that in the same way, the burning fire on our own altars—both individually and corporately—is dependent upon our personal walk and encounter with God. This spiritual reality is echoed in the daily ceremonial burning commanded in Levitical worship
He described altars as points of contact with the Divine that forms the basis for our spiritual relationship with God. They create a platform for interaction—where God reveals Himself to His servant, encounters them, and begins to train, trim, and equip them for service.
The bishop gave an implication of the theme to the church of today as improving personal devotion, community worship, Leadership responsibility and succession in priesthood.
On the state of the nation, the bishop commended the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. He also commended the Governor of Nasarawa State for his developmental strides. The Synod Thanksgiving Service also featured the Holy Eucharist.
The synod was also graced with the appearance of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Dr. George Akume, ably represented by his chief of Staff, Chief Christopher Tarka, others are Rt Rev Miller K Maza Rtd, Engr. Joseph Ezerioha,The CEO Rick Rock Construction Company, Diocesan Officials, Clergy, Evangelists , Laity and other guests.
The Synod ended in praise to the glory of God.
