This decade of evangelism is to witness the spread of Anglican churches across the nooks and crannies of the Diocese of the Niger Delta Diocese, NDD.
The Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ralph Cornelius Ebirien (JP) made the disclosure while briefing the press at the Bishop’s Court, 4 Harley Street, GRA Phase 1 Port Harcourt, Wednesday July 10th 2015 in commemoration of his 5th enthronement anniversary celebration.
The Rt. Rev. Ralph Ebirien said the significance of ordaining many Priests and Deacons in the Diocese since his enthronement to date was not according to the number of Parishes rather in conformity with the scriptures and to further spread the gospel as well as Plant Anglican Churches in all communities in the Diocese giving the period as an era of evangelism.
According to the soft spoken and erudite Anglican Bishop, Rt. Rev. Ebirien who maintained that ordination is for service, the church is presently operational in many sitting rooms in communities where there are no Anglican churches and expressed optimism of its growth, adding that pastors would be sent to such areas to further develop the faithful.
Reeling out his endless achievements in the diocese five years ago when he was consecrated and enthroned, the Rt. Rev. Ebirien revealed that the once closed “Our Saviour’s Anglican Hospital” located on St. John’s premises on Bishop Johnson Street, New Layout Market is now functioning, equipped with modern facilities and laboratory department to ease service delivery.
Our Saviour’s Anglican Hospital according to the bishop is built for all in the state and beyond, explaining that as an institution managed by the Anglican Communion does not imply it is for the church use rather for entire humanity, urging all to seek their medical treatment at Our Saviour’s hospital, Bishop Johnson Street, Port Harcourt.
Another achievement of the present Anglican Bishop of Diocese of the Niger Delta is the regular Bible Study, Revival and Crusades Programmes witnessed in the Diocese which the faithful, new converts and brethren from other denominations are delighted in as a means of spiritual growth.
Bishop Ebirien however, commended the clergy in the Diocese for their cooperation and discipline, hence crowning the peaceful disposition of the Diocese explaining that on assumption of office as the 6th Bishop of the Diocese, he was faced with serious challenges posed by two churches, but thanked God they were resolved and peace is ensured.
Speaking further, while fielding questions on the church’s position on gay marriage, the Anglican Bishop maintained that the church’s stance is highly against gay or same sex marriage, saying that as long as the Bible remains the manual of the church, same sex marriage remains a taboo and cannot be compromised, though a Bishop of the Anglican Communion has accepted the secretaryship of the church of England, he is said to be on his own.
Those in attendance at the briefing were among others the very Revd. Richard Ibituru Hart-Dean of the cathedral, Ven. Amavey Christian Abbey-Kalio – Synod Secretary, Ven. Rufus Etire, Ven. M. Uranta, wife of the Bishop, Mrs. Victoria Umaro Ebirien, Revd. Can. John Ubulom, Revd. George Sunju and Revd. Chimzie Oforma.
James Mgboineme
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