ACNS 2542 - NIGERIA - 24 July 2001
Anglican Communion Ordains Eight Priests
By Juliana Taiwo

[Naija News] Eight priests and seven deacons were ordained recently by the
Bishop of Ijebu Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Rt Revd Professor Akinyele
Omoyajowo.

The ceremony which was part of activities to mark the silver jubilee of the
diocese took place at Emmanuel Church, Italupe Ijebu Ode.

In his charge to the priests, Bishop Omoyajowo enjoined them to adhere
strictly to the 39 articles of the Christian faith which include the belief
in the sonship, Lordship and messiahship of Jesus Christ as well as
evangelising their communities through the teaching and preaching of
biblical injunctions and also through being embodiments of Christian
character.

In his sermon, Venerable E B Abiala who also co-ordinated the three days
retreat for the ordained priests told the ministers that they were called to
serve and not lord themselves over their congregation. Their mission was to
preach the ministry of reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ and to
bring the world back to God.

Nigerians he said needed Christ more than ever because of their social and
moral bankruptcy. Dignitaries from all walks of life graced the occasion.
They included the wife of the Diocesan, Mrs Adenike Omoyajowo who
co-ordinated the wives of the new clergies as chairperson of the diocese
women's wing, Venerable Sunday Oyinlola, archdeacon, Ijebu West Alekun
archdeaconry, Justice Mabogunje (rtd) the chancellor of the diocese and
Barrister Ogunyemi the diocesan registrar.

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