By Ikeugonna Eleke
Christians of other denominations have expressed happiness over the recent creation of the Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese in Anambra State.
While some said their happiness stemmed from the fact that it signified a leap in Christianity in Nigeria, others said their happiness was that the first bishop of the diocese, Bishop Okpalaeke, who was last year rejected by the Ahiara Catholic Diocese in Imo State, now had a base.
A pastor with Newlife Evangelical Church, Evangelist Chidi Uzoagu, said, ‘I am not a Catholic, but I heard the news. Though I am not from Anambra, talk more of Ekwulobia, but a leap in Christianity should gladden the mind of any Christian. That is why I am happy.
‘If Christianity continues to grow in Nigeria to the point that we now dominate the country, it will not matter whether it is Catholic, Anglican or Pentecostal. What will be important is that Christ is winning, that is why I congratulate the Catholic Church in Anambra for this addition.’
Another member of the Pentecostal Church, Miss Stephanie Ugwu of Christ Embassy in Awka said, ‘I am just hearing it from you now. I am not a Catholic, but if our fellow Christians are happy about what God has done for them, then we should rejoice with them.’
Mr Tony Okafor, a journalist and member of the Anglican Church in his own reaction said that God only showed how great he was, especially in the life of his servant, Bishop Okpaleke, who was rejected in Ahiara Diocese because he was not from Mbaise.
‘While an Mbaise Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, was removed, the bishop whom Mbaise people rejected now has a new diocese to superintend, isn’t that wonderful?’ he asked.
