Thursday, April 07, 2011

Nigerian Anglican Leader Appeals to ABC for more Openness of Worship Styles in UK Churches


A delegation of Nigerian archbishops including the Primate of the Anglican Province of Nigeria, Nicholas Okoh, told The Archbishop of Canterbury that he needs to allow Nigerians in the UK to worship "the Nigeria way" in abandoned Church buildings or allow them a scheduled time in parish churches where they could express themselves unreservedly in worship.

In a recent visit to Lambeth Palace the Nigerian Primate appealed to Dr. Rowan Williams arguing that there was an "unceasing and intense bleeding of our young executive Anglicans moving over to the New Generation Churches due to what they describe as "cold" worship style."

Archbishop Okoh said his request was viewed positively by the Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England. "The Archbishop requested that we put our proposal in writing. He assured us that it is a practical proposal," said Okoh.

The Nigerian delegation also visited the Lord Bishop of London, Richard Chartres and the Bishop of Southwark. "We addressed a group of Nigerians of different age brackets in London, Manchester and Birmingham and had a special session with representatives of Nigerian Clergy in the UK. Our visit was said to be timely. But a few had their reservations.

Also raised was the status, sponsorship and future of the Nigerian Chaplaincy in the UK. At the present time they enjoy of the generosity of the Church Missionary Society, and the grace and benevolence of St. Marylebone.

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