The Primate, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has called on Knights of the church to support activities that foster national unity and love.
Ndukuba made the call in his address at the 3rd Joint Council of Knights (JCK) Convention held in Awka on Friday.
The head of the Anglican Church in Nigeria said, “it is when there is unity and peace that different religion and their followers can defend the faith”.
The theme of the convention was “Earnestly Contend for the Faith”.
The Primate was represented by Most Rev. David Onuoha, the Archbishop of Owerri Province and Bishop of Okigwe South in Imo State.
Ndukuba called on the participants to pray fervently for the peace and unity of Nigeria as there was no other country to call ‘our own’.
He said they should prepare themselves for the fight by first being good christians and seeing their membership of Knighthood as divine call rather than social status.
“We all must work relentlessly for the enthronement of justice, equity and fairness and sustenance of the labours of our heroes past.
“Let us all work and pray for God’s favour that our country will know peace and prosperity once again.
“As you reflect on how to contend for faith in this age and time, it is of primary importance that you do a self assessment of your relationship with the Lord and owner of the church, Jesus Christ.
“You cannot contend effectively without having a saving knowledge of Him, it is certain that no one can be a good knight without first being a good Christian,” he said.
Ndukuba said Knights were the most resourced and endowed section of the laity of the Church and were expected to champion the cause of having Anglicans participate actively in political activities at all levels.
In his address, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim, the Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, welcomed the Knights who came from the 71 Dioceses of the Communion across Nigeria to Awka and urged them to be agents of change.
Ibezim, who is also the Bishop of Awka charged them not to let the church die in their hands but continue to evolve work plan that would help in the expansion of the gospel.
Gov. Willie Obiano in his remark, assured them of a peaceful stay and wished them happy deliberations.
Obiano, who was represented by Mr Harry Udu, Head of Service in Anambra, thanked the Anglican church for it support towards the success of Nov. 6 governorship election in the state.
Mr Vincent Orhiunu, National President of Joint Council of Knights said the convention was a forum for robust interaction for Knights and ladies from different Dioceses of the Communion on contemporary issues affecting the Church and the society in general.
“Matters affecting our youths and how to improve the Nigerian Electoral System will also be discussed,” he said. (NAN)