By Uzo Ugwunze
The President of the Council of Laity, Diocese on the Niger, Sir Chris Ukachukwu, has urged Anglicans to move beyond passive participation and take an active role in building the Church, guided by the fear of God. Ukachukwu made the call on Sept. 12, at St. Michael’s and All Angels’ Anglican Church (SMAAAC), Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, during the Congress of the House of Laity, themed, “The Fear of God is the Beginning of Wisdom”.
Addressing delegates at the congress, the Laity President said genuine wisdom begins with reverence for God, obedience to His Word and dedicated service to the church. He emphasised that the responsibility of building the church should not rest solely on the clergy, noting that the laity have significant roles to play in supporting the clergy, advancing evangelism, caring for members, mentoring youths and contributing their time, talents and resources to the work of God.
Ukachukwu challenged members of the laity to assess their level of commitment to the church and embrace what he described as a five-point charge: “I will be present; I will participate; I will serve; I will support the unity of the church; and I will use my gifts for God’s work.”
He also urged societies, guilds and fellowships to ensure that representatives sent to meetings are committed to their responsibilities by attending meetings, communicating decisions and ensuring that programmes and resolutions are implemented at the diocesan and archdeaconry levels.
The Laity President cautioned church organisations against rivalry, unhealthy competition and division, stressing that leadership positions should be regarded as opportunities to serve rather than avenues for personal recognition. He further called on the laity to strengthen evangelism, support church leadership, encourage children and youths, promote peace and translate decisions of the council into tangible results for the growth of the church.
The Chaplain of the Diocese on the Niger House of Laity, Ven. Okechukwu Ukpeke, described the fear of God as the foundation of righteous living and an important deterrent to impunity in both the church and society. He called on members to embrace genuine repentance and renew their commitment to God.
Also speaking, the host priest, Ven. Frank Obi, reaffirmed the supremacy of God as “the Alpha and Omega; the Author and Finisher of our Faith,” while pledging his continued support for the activities of the House of Laity.
Other highlights of the congress included a political sensitisation talk delivered by the Diocesan Director of the Directorate of Church and Public Affairs (DCPA), Rev. Canon Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Aniakor, and a health talk by physiotherapist Charles Ehirim. The congress also featured the announcement of a diocesan Committee on Gender-Based Violence, headed by Rev. Canon Johnson Iwuamaeze, as well as chain prayers, praise sessions and a fundraising programme in support of the work of God.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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