The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has called on its clergy, laity and the general public to remain calm and allow ongoing ecclesiastical and judicial processes to run their proper course.
The call followed recent public statements and court actions concerning decisions taken by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev'd Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, in the exercise of his ecclesiastical and supervisory responsibilities.
Recall that the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim had filed a lawsuit against Ndukuba over his suspension.
Ndukuba directed Ibezim to proceed on six months’ compulsory leave and appoint another bishop to supervise the Awka Diocese. He initiated the disciplinary measures amid allegations concerning the administration of church property.
The legality of those decisions is now being challenged in court by Ibezim.
The Church, in a statement signed by its General Secretary, the Ven. Dr. Festus Opara, assured its members that the actions now before the courts were not taken lightly.
It said that its commitment to discipline and order is not at variance with the Christian virtues of patience, forgiveness, reconciliation and justice.
The Church further stated that the decisions followed a prolonged period of enquiry into concerns relating to ecclesiastical authority, accountability and compliance with established procedures, adding that efforts were also made to resolve the disagreements through conciliatory engagement.
"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.
It maintained that like every other Church leader, the Primate remains subject to the Constitution, Canons and established processes of the Church.
"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."
It called on all concerned to uphold the dignity of the Church and to seek the resolution of differences in a manner consistent with Christian witness and the rule of law.
'Remain calm' - Anglican Church speaks on Awka Diocese crisis