Anglican Diocese of Isi Mbano ends 2nd session of 11th Synod

By Chibuzo Munonye

The second session of the 11th synod of the Diocese of Isi Mbano (Anglican Communion) with the theme “Faith: doorway to God’s promise”. (Hebrews 11:8) has ended at St Michael’s and All Angels Church, Eziama Osuama Archdeaconry in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area.

Delivering his presidential address/charge on the occasion, the bishop of the diocese, Rt Rev Godson U Ukanwa recalled that Abraham believed God and God credited it to him as righteousness, adding that the faith of Abraham, though imperfect was marked by trust in God’s promises even in the face of delay and impossibility.

Rt Rev Ukanwa identified faith as fidelity and allegiance, confidence in what we hoped for and assurance of what we do not see, stressing that it is acting on God’s word that we are saved by grace, not by human effort.

According to him, “We become Christians through God’s unmerited favour, not as a result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice or act of service on our part. However, our gratitude of this free gift, we are enjoined to serve others with kindness, love and gentleness. We are not saved mainly for our own benefits but to serve Christ and build up the church”.

On the national and state issues, the prelate expressed dismay that insecurity has continued with over two million people displaced due to attacks, stressing that prospective investors have been deterred from coming to Nigeria thereby creating unemployment, trade imbalance, poverty and inequality among others.

He appreciated the rare vision, resilience and towering achievements of the Imo State governor, Sen Hope Uzodinma whose leadership has become a deacon of progress in the state. “The rebuilding of critical roads, the strengthening of healthcare system and the promotion of agriculture among others are testimonies that his vision is anchored on sustainable growth. The timely building and dedication of an international conference centre on the ,30th of September 2025 by President Bola Tinubu and named after Late Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a testament to his great achievements. We commend the governor for the implementation of the minimum wage of 104,000 naira in the state and pray him to consider yourh empowerment for the teeming youth of our state. We call on the governor to look at the issues of local government autonomy the second time and grant them more powers to function. We also plead with the governor to remember Okigwe zone as 2027 draws near”, Rt Rev Ukanwa emphasized.

In an interview with newsmen on the occasion, the Archdeacon, Osuama Archdeaconry and vicar of the host church, Ven Loveday Anayo Anyanwu advised Christians to have faith in God, emulate and live life of Abraham in their service of the Almighty God.

Ven Anyanwu quoted the bishop of the diocese, Rt Rev Ukanwa in his presidential address, as saying that faith starts by a test, taking Abraham for instance when he gave Isaac in sacrifice, stressing that before Abraham received his greatest blessing from God, he was given the greatest test of his life.

He reminded Christians that sometimes, a problem may come their way and it may be an issue that threatens all they had been living for, adding that faith is the doorway to greater promises, according to him, “Sarah had faith and finally got the promised child”

The Archdeacon who is also the Vicar of the host church also quoted the bishop as saying that “The challenge to faith leads to greater faith than ever. Faith is fearless because it can see God. By faith, Moses left Egypt behind without fearing the anger of the king for he continued in strength because he saw the one who is invisible. Resistance in faitlh leads to inheriting the promises. Christians must choose faith as doorway because faith pleases God, demonstrates trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness, connects Christians with God and brings hope and assurance in God’s promises as well as weapon of Christians’ warfare”.

He expressed delight that this year’s synod of the diocese achieved a huge success, seeing what happened and how people responded, pointing out that some people they never expected to be present at the synod came and donated to support the ministry.

Ven Anyanwu identified the bishop, Rt Rev Ukanwa as a very useful God’s instrument, a vibrant, young and God fearing man who has the interest of the diocese at heart, stressing that he had been instrumental in making sure that everything worked well and prayed God to give him good health, wisdom and divine strength to continue to pilot the affairs of the diocese.

He also thanked the parishioners of the host church and everyone who contributed to make the synod successful for their commitment, dedication and perseverance.