Follow Us on Google
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The National Holy Ghost Church of Christ International (NHGCC),with headquarters in Ubaha Ndiowu community, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State has continued to raise the voices and status of women in the church and ministry.
At the recent 61st National Convention of the church, nine priests of the church, including three females, were elevated to the position of Bishops by the General Overseer and Presiding Prelate of the Church, Archbishop Cynthia Adaoma Josephson
The ordination service, which took place at the All Soul’s Cathedral, Ubaha Ndiowu, saw other bishops, members of the clergy and legal team of the church in attendance. Among them was renowned Nollywood actress turned evangelist, Eucharia Anunobi.
Among the newly ordained female Bishops are Juliet Eme, Anyaeneh Josephine, and Grace Agagwo. The other seven are Okey Eze, Joel Okeke, Ikechukwu Ifejilika, Peter Chukwu, Okoye Anene, and Emmanuel Abora.
The Bishops were administered with different oaths such as oath of allegiance to God, abstinence from secret cults, gay and lesbianism, submission to bible doctrines and practices, among others.
Speaking shortly after their ordination, the Presiding Archbishop, Dr Cynthia Josephson said the theme of the Convention “It is Written”, was a reminder that God has given man, His creature, power over darkness.
She explained that all the ordained have undergone the requisite training and have been chosen by God to expand His kingdom. She urged them to love and serve the people entrusted to their care regardless of age, strength, or status and to proclaim God’s forgiveness to sinners.
According to her, “The scripture says in Matthew chapter 4 verse 4 that Jesus said to Satan ‘It is Written’, which is an action word. It is just a reminder that what is written is written. He has given us power and what is given is given. I know what is written therefore I have my authority in Christ Jesus. No power of darkness can stop us anymore.
“I pray that God should help them (ordained Bishops) to abide in His faith. Once they work in the way of God, they would make exploits.
“Again, it is about the person that poured the oil on their head. I’m a great lady and because of that, they are already great. It is God that chooses people and today He chose those that will lead His sheep tomorrow. Once they obey the scripture of God, they will do well.”
She charged them not to relent in their duties as Bishops, and to depend on God who called them to expand His word and ministry through National Holy Ghost Church of Christ.
In their sermons, two of the preachers, Bishop Crystal McQueen and Chief Apostle Christopher McQueen, emphasised the importance of knowing the word of God, stating that it is a powerful tool that cannot be manipulated when understood and applied. They encouraged Christians to deepen their understanding of scripture to stay grounded in their faith and resist manipulation.
The church Legal Adviser, Barr Emmanuel Ogbuli, said the consecration of three women is not the first in the church history, stating that it is a clear indication of emerging inclusivity in Christendom.
He said, “We are now in the world of equality. In today’s world, men and women are treated equally. Under the Nigerian constitution and other constitutions of the world, whatever a man is entitled to, a woman is also entitled to it.
“The Archbishop of Canterbury in England, which is the parent Church of the Anglican Communion, is a woman. She is like a Pope of the Anglican world. That shows that women have a chance. So down here, when a woman is a bishop, you dare not challenge it when the Archbishop is a woman.
“The oath they took is binding. Any of them that violates the law can be suspended or be removed, depending on the gravity of the offence. We give them an opportunity to be heard and after the suspension persists, the person is dismissed.”
President General Emeritus of Ndiowu community, Engr Chike Emenike, explained that priests are vehicles for the accomplishment of God’s purpose for the church and asked the newly ordained to work according to Christ’s instructions in order to fulfil His purpose in their lifetime.
“Their job is very straightforward. Let them stick to the tenets of the job; that is letting people understand what God wants them to do. We expect them not to mislead the people in the temple of God.
“Our community, Anambra State, and Nigeria at large are all yearning for God’s love, and we can only get that through the teachings of people like them. If they give us the right leadership, we’ll follow them. So I charge them to give us good leadership in the light of God.”
Speaking , one of the newly ordained clerics, who preaches at the Enugwu Ukwu branch of National Holy Ghost Church of Christ, Bishop Joel Okeke, said his elevation was God’s arrangement, noting that he had served as pastor and Reverend in the past. He promised to use the new position to spread the undiluted gospel of Christ and to bring men back to God.
“I believe it is God’s time for him to put me in another seat. From being a pastor to Reverend and now a bishop. I believe that everything is done by God’s time and arrangements. It is not my own will and I bless God for that. With this office, God will help me to take people higher – the gospel and every other aspect of life by His grace.”
Another ordained Bishop, Grace Ajagwu – Onitsha 2 (Okpoko) branch – said her promotion was a result of her hard work in the Lord’s vineyard, promising to use her new position to win souls and save lives.
“God has made my life to be colourful. He has made me become a product of grace. It is my Labour in the ministry that elevated me to this height.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. The Lord has placed me in a higher office. I strongly believe that with His strength, I will do more than I have been doing before – to win souls for the kingdom of God and to save lives.”
She advised fellow bishops to not be swayed by their new position but remain humble and to serve with the purpose of winning more souls for Christ.
“I advise my fellow bishops to serve God with humility. No matter the crown, honour or garment we are putting on, let us not forget the service of Him who called us to serve. I pray that the elevation to the rank of Bishop will not raise ego in us but be an avenue to achieve more for Christ.
“Before, tradition did not favour women but we thank God who has now set the pace for us. So, I urge my fellow women not to take a back seat because the ministry of today is the ministry of women,” she said.
