(BY NGOZI ADIGHIBE)
The Most Rev. Caleb Maduoma, Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Owerri and Bishop of Ideato Anglican Diocese has expressed disapproval of the advocacy of working out a system of morals, ethics and religion that would bring together all the religions of the world, stating that it cannot work. He made this known while delivering his Bishop’s charge at the First Session of the 7th Synod of the Anglican diocese of Ideato, which was held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Obodoukwu, Imo state. Archbishop Maduoma explained that Christianity cannot be compared with any other religion because Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the Christian faith is unique. According to him, Christianity is forever linked to the person of Jesus Christ, whom he described as the honourable, learned and noble friend.

Speaking on the theme for the Synod, “What a Friend we have in Jesus,” the Bishop of the Anglican diocese of Ideato emphasized that Jesus is the best friend anyone could ever have. Using the hymn, “What a Friend we have in Jesus” written by Joseph Scriven, the Archbishop highlighted the importance and value of being a friend of God. He cited from the Bible, passages that illustrated the benefits of having Jesus as a friend, concluding that this same Jesus will lead Nigeria out of the current economic recession.

Meanwhile, Hon. Deacon Chike John Okafor, Federal House of Representative Member, representing Ehime Mbano, Ihitte Uboma and Obowo Federal constituency, Imo State who was the Keynote Speaker at the Synod pointed out that the gospel is needed now more than ever, because the solution to the issues bothering the Church and nation can only be found in Jesus, adding that it is up to Christians to make things right in the nation.