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The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has urged its clergy, members and the public to remain calm while the ongoing ecclesiastical and judicial proceedings concerning the Awka Diocese crisis take their course.

The appeal comes amid public statements and legal proceedings surrounding decisions made by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev’d Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, in the discharge of his supervisory and ecclesiastical duties.

The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, had instituted legal proceedings against Ndukuba over his suspension.

Ndukuba had directed Ibezim to embark on six months of compulsory leave and appointed another bishop to oversee the Awka Diocese. The disciplinary action followed allegations relating to the administration of church property.

Ibezim is challenging the legality of the decisions in court.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, the Ven. Dr Festus Opara, the Church assured its members that the actions currently before the courts were taken after careful consideration.

It stressed that its commitment to maintaining discipline and order within the institution remained consistent with Christian principles of patience, forgiveness, reconciliation and justice.

The Church also explained that the decisions followed an extended period of inquiry into issues concerning ecclesiastical authority, accountability and adherence to established procedures. It added that attempts had been made to resolve the disagreements through conciliatory engagements.

“Peace must go hand in hand with accountability, mutual respect and canonical order. Reconciliation remains an essential Christian obligation, but it must be pursued within the framework of the Church’s Constitution, Canons and established procedures. As Scripture says in 1 Corinthians 14:40, ‘Let all things be done decently and in order’,” it added.

The statement further emphasised that the Primate, like every other leader within the Church, remains bound by its Constitution, Canons and established procedures.

“The present matter must therefore be addressed through the appropriate institutional and judicial channels, with due regard for fairness, restraint and the rule of law,” the statement said.

“All Anglican faithful are urged to remain prayerful, steadfast and united, and not to be drawn into speculation or unwholesome public exchanges. Members of the public and the media are respectfully encouraged to exercise restraint while the matter is before the appropriate bodies.”

The Church urged all parties involved to preserve its dignity and pursue a peaceful resolution of their differences in accordance with Christian values and the rule of law.

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