By Emeka Odogwu
Archdeacon, CHS Awka Archdeaconry, Ven.Dr. Onyeka Egwuonwu has given great insights on the feats recorded by the Christian Missionary Society, CMS, hence, the celebration every 27th of July in the Anglican Communion East of the Niger.
He said CMS gave Igbo Land hope and life, particularly the abolition of illegitimate businesses including slave trade and killing of twins.
Ven.Dr. Egwuonwu in his sermon to mark the 2025 CMS Anniversary (168th Celebration of Christianity in Igbo Land) at the Church of The Holy Spirit Awka reminded that CMS was first known as Society for Missions for Africa before men of means and influence formed it as CMS.
He was elated to inform that CMS brought peace and development to those communities evangelized, adding that CMS gave Igbo Land commonly used Igbo :Language- Igbo Izugbe.
He regretted the numerous doctrines and acrimonious relationships in the Christendom today, despite the suffering of the CMS Team that liberated Nigeria and Africa at large.
He reminded all that CMS stopped the war between Agulu Awka and Amikwo Awka bringing true reconciliation, peace and development to the Awka Community. He informed that CMS came to Awka in 1903 when Awka was worshipping Agbala Awka, but they received the gospel.
He said Evangelism through the CMS, first came to Agbor, near Niger to begin the missionary work in 1841, came the second time for strategic enquiries and finally came to establish in July 1857. He mentioned some of the great men who liberated Igbo Land to include Ajayi Crowther, CJ Tailor and Simon Jonas who preached the first sermon at Agbor and Onitsha. CMS stayed for 28 years before Roman Catholic Missionaries arrived in Onitsha in 1885 and were accommodated by the Anglican Communion known then as CMS.
He wasn’t happy that many outstanding people in the society trained by CMS left the mission after training them for other lucrative ventures.
He cautioned against going back to worship deities even as he encouraged the speaking of Igbo language to revive it and taking interest in Igbo foods, clothes and genuine culture.
The CMS anniversary Sunday had breakfast sponsored and prison inmates feted by CHS Awka.
At that worship, the 2025 Harvest Thanksgiving committee chairman ,Engr. Chukwudi Egemba and his 11 members committee were inaugurated with Mrs. Esther Nwokike as secretary.
Aside from the 168th celebration of Christianity in Igbo land, the theme of the Sunday service was: ” God’s unrelenting love for His own”. It was a day to celebrate Christ, celebrate the gospel and celebrate the church.
