Delegates at the synod of the Anglican Church of Nigeria have made the call for an end to tribal settlements as a means to deal with national issues.
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The Bishop of Calabar, the Rt Rev Tunde Adeleye warned during a speech at the consecration of three bishops that “it will be a comedy to hear that a church is closed down, not because members died, but because they do not agree on tribal lines”.

The call comes amid reports that some Anglican clergymen have been prevented from assuming positions in areas outside of their indigenous communities on tribal grounds.

Bishop Adeleye told delegates at the Sydnod the trend was destructive and contrary to the purpose and meaning of the ministry of Jesus Christ, as well as the vision of the Church of Nigeria which aims at “soul-winning, growth and development”.

The reverend challenged the 800 delegates: “Are we building the body of Christ or the body of crisis?”

Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev Peter Akinola, called for “integration and true unity to serve as a paradigm for the nation” at his sermon at the Holy Communion service Monday, reported Nigeria’s Daily Independent.

“I appeal to you by the mercies of God, let us unite to make this church great. The potentialities are enormous if only we can catch the vision of a strong united church...the hope of Nigeria.

“For the sake of God of the common good, let us bury our differences,” he urged.

The Anglican Church of Nigeria is expected to discuss over the six-day triennial gathering the relationship of the Church with its western counterparts, particularly in light of the recent Church of England approval of the ordination of gay bishops registered in a same-sex partnership under England’s new Civil Partnerships Act.