Lagos Anglican Diocese Marks 20 Years Unveils History Book
The Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has marked its 20th anniversary with the public presentation of a new book titled The Church Is Marching On. The anniversary and thanksgiving service took place on Friday at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. Clergy, traditional rulers, community leaders, legal practitioners, journalists and members of the diocese attended the event.
The Bishop of Lagos Mainland Diocese, Rt Revd Akinpelu Johnson, hosted the celebration.
Several notable figures also attended, including Justice Ayokunle, an elder of the diocese; Pa Kayode Shonaike, popularly known as Babaluyi Akinwande; Justice Olayinka Faji; Chief J.P. Oke; and Mrs Abosede Faji.
The Diocese of Lagos West was represented by Dr Mrs Lydia Odedeji. Rt Revd Dr Ebenezer Adewole and the former Bishop of Lagos Mainland Diocese, Most Revd Dr Adebayo Dada Akinde, were also present.
Veteran journalist and former Editorial Chairman of The Guardian, Dr Reuben Abati, reviewed the new publication.
Abati described The Church Is Marching On as an important contribution to the documentation of the history and development of the Anglican Church. He highlighted the book’s examination of the church’s organisational structure, traditions and training systems.
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According to Abati, these elements have helped the Anglican Church preserve its identity while preparing for future generations. He also noted the book’s focus on church governance and administration.
Another section examines the contributions of women, the role of young people and the importance of Sunday school in raising and educating children.
Abati said the publication demonstrated how the Anglican Church relies on established structures, laws and constitutional principles rather than individual leadership alone. He also pointed to a chapter dedicated to the future of the diocese and the wider church.
The journalist said the contributors raised important questions about the direction of Christianity and its place in a changing society.
Abati described the publication as a significant step towards preserving the history of the Diocese of Lagos Mainland and the Anglican Communion. He encouraged the diocese to continue documenting its journey and publish new editions as it reaches future milestones.
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The book, he added, could also stimulate wider conversations about the role of Christianity in Nigerian society.
Abati called for greater attention to the challenges facing Christians and the changing nature of religious expression in the country.
Speaking at the anniversary, Bishop Johnson thanked God for the growth recorded by the diocese over the past two decades. He also appreciated members of the anniversary committee and others whose contributions helped make the celebration possible. He said the 20th anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate the diocese’s achievements while considering its future direction.
“We have every reason to give thanks to God for what He has done for us in the last 20 years. We have seen the hand of God in the growth and development of this diocese,” Johnson said.
The anniversary brought together reflections on the diocese’s past, its present achievements and its aspirations for the years ahead.
Source: Punch News
Content Credit: Esther Adeyemi
Image Credit: Facebook.com
