The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has elected four new bishops to oversee different dioceses across the country following the conclusion of its Episcopal Synod held during the Advance Episcopal Consultation in Port Harcourt.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, at the end of the synod’s deliberations held at Our Saviour’s Chapel, University of Port Harcourt.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Church’s Director of Communications, Ven. Raphael A. Aderinwale.
Those elected include Ven. Dr. Godwin Tersoo Simon Yakela for the Diocese of Makurdi, Ven. Dr. Kingsley Ogbonda for the Diocese of Uyo, Ven. Dr. Julius Oyediran for the Diocese of Ekiti Oke and Ven. Dr. Olayemi Fatusi for the Awori Diocese.
Speaking on the outcome of the exercise, Primate Ndukuba said the elections followed careful deliberations and prayers by members of the Episcopal Synod, who sought God’s guidance throughout the selection process.
He also disclosed that the bishops elect will be formally consecrated during the General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, which is scheduled to take place in September in the Diocese of Remo.
The election concludes the church’s process of appointing new episcopal leaders for the four dioceses, paving the way for them to begin their pastoral responsibilities.
According to the church, the new bishops will provide spiritual leadership within their dioceses, promote evangelism and strengthen the mission and growth of the Anglican Communion in their respective jurisdictions.
The Primate called on members of the church to continually remember the bishops elect in their prayers, asking God to bless them with wisdom, strength, humility, sound health and the grace to faithfully carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them in service to the church and the Christian faith.
