An article by David Chimezie Nwanekpe.
The story begins in the 20th century when waves of immigrants from Nigeria along with other parts of
Africa made their way to North America, bringing with them a rich tapestry of cultural and spiritual
beliefs. These communities sought to establish a religious foundation that felt like home thus the seed
for the Anglican Church of Nigeria in North America was planted.
In the early two thousands the need for a more formal structure became apparent, the current primate
of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukauba, has been a source of inspiration to the group of
the Church of Nigeria North American Mission (CONNAM) in this modern day despite the current
challenges from disbanded dioceses of Church of Nigeria, like ADOTW and ADOTT in North America. The
primate has continued to encourage the Nigerian faithful here in North America to be of great courage
and faithfulness to their calling. It is important to note that all those taking the Church of Nigeria to court
here in North America are NOT rooted and committed members of the church. Nobody born of the
church takes the same church to court without first going through the order of the church court
authority or system. However, it is also important to state the facts of the crisis in CONNAM. It Started
with the greed of some Bishops, Clergy, and four or five lay members of the then Diocese, who felt that
they were more powerful than the church. In September 2023 the Church of Nigeria held a General
Synod in the city of Nnewi Anambra state, Nigeria. When the church passed a resolution to dissolve its
dioceses in America, the vote was taken and passed to dissolve them, while back home in America some
groups of individuals rose against the church suing the church in court, claiming to be representatives of
the church or speaking for her, while members of the diocesan board of that Diocese were not informed
of their actions and did not give their consent to that idea. Our church mission was drawn into confusion
and crisis, nevertheless, our parishes are still doing fine and healthy.
As Anglican priests and bishops, we swore to an oath of canonical obedience to the church and its
leadership. It is improper for a cleric to spearhead and supervise the suing of the church to the court of
law without first sorting for means of peace from the church authority. However, be it as it may we
encourage all the warring parties to come together and be good Christians. For once let’s get the back of
each other, let’s come back to terms and live as preachers of the gospel. No matter what your grievance
may be remember that heaven at last is our goal. Let the love that existed between us in the past come
back, let’s begin to love each other again. Having said this, I encourage all Nigerians to be focused on
their heavenly calling and be good ambassadors by ways of character and godly living.
Many Nigerian Anglicans felt that the existing Anglican bodies did not fully represent their theological
views or cultural heritage, and this led to the creation of the Anglican Church of Nigeria in North America
an institution that not only catered to the spiritual needs of Nigerian expatriates but also upheld the
doctrinal stances familiar to them. As the church took root, its influence and congregation grew
exponentially. The church became a hub for not only worship but also community support and cultural
preservation. It organized events, social services, and educational programs that reinforce the ties
between its members’ faith and their everyday lives. The church’s growth mirrored the increasing
diversity of the Anglican Communion worldwide showcasing a unique blend of tradition and adaptation.
However, the journey was not without its hurdles.
The Anglican Church of Nigeria in North America found itself at the heart of theological debates that
ripple across the global Anglican Communion issues such as the ordination of women and the stance on
marriage and sexual orientation. These issues have sparked both conflict and conversation within the
community as these debates test the church’s unity and challenge its leaders to find a path forward that
respects diverse viewpoints while maintaining doctrinal integrity. Today the Anglican Church of Nigeria in
Church of Nigeria North American Mission The Way Forward
An article by David Chimezie Nwanekpe.
North America stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of faith in a changing world. It
continues to grow driven by a commitment to serve its community spiritually and socially yet the road
ahead remains complex.
The church must navigate the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, consensus, and
diversity as it moves forward. Furthermore, the Anglican Church of Nigeria in North America illustrates
how faith communities can evolve and adapt forging identities that resonate with both their heritage
and their present circumstances.
. The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion’s mission in North America typically involves establishing
and nurturing Anglican congregations and communities in North America under the oversight and
leadership of the Church of Nigeria.
This initiative emerged in response to theological differences within the Anglican Communion,
particularly regarding issues such as human sexuality and the interpretation of Scripture. Some
conservative Anglican groups, including the Church of Nigeria, have expressed disagreement with what
they perceive as liberal interpretations within certain branches of Anglicanism, particularly in North
America.
“The Way Forward” aims to provide an alternative for Anglicans who align more closely with
conservative theological positions, offering them a spiritual home within the broader Anglican tradition
but outside of the structures of more liberal Anglican provinces.
Through this mission, the Church of Nigeria seeks to uphold what it perceives as traditional Anglican
values and teachings, including adherence to the authority of Scripture and traditional Christian
doctrine. The goal is to provide a space where Anglicans who share these convictions can worship, grow
in their faith, and engage in ministry together.
In conclusion, we encourage clergymen to defend what they believe is right in the church. We therefore
encourage them and all the clergy fighting the same cause to stand firm to defend the rich culture or
cultural differences of Nigerians in America. All Nigerians faithful in America must continue to look for
their heritage and stand for what they believe in. As the church faces ongoing challenges, its story
remains an essential chapter in the broader narrative of religion in contemporary society.
Ven.David Nwanekpe .
Rector
Anglican Church Of The Holy Spirit
Bronx,New York 