By Tony Okafor
My Lord Bishop Ibezim, with profound respect for your episcopal office and the sacred responsibility entrusted to you, may I ask a question that transcends personalities, ecclesiastical politics and institutional rivalries: When obedience becomes inconvenient, does the authority of the Church cease to command our respect?
The unfolding controversy within the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Awka Diocese, calls for wisdom, restraint and a genuine commitment to the unity of Christ’s body.
The Primate’s recommendation that you step aside from your episcopal responsibilities for six months should not necessarily be interpreted as a verdict of guilt. Rather, it presents an opportunity to demonstrate that the integrity of the Church is greater than any individual’s desire to retain a position.
My Lord, an allegation is not proof of guilt, and stepping aside is not an admission of wrongdoing. Every person facing an allegation deserves fairness, due process and an opportunity to defend himself.
Nevertheless, leadership sometimes demands personal sacrifice for the greater good. Accepting a temporary leave of six months could create the necessary atmosphere for an impartial resolution of the controversy without prejudging the outcome.
In 1 Samuel 15:22, Scripture declares that obedience is better than sacrifice. This timeless principle reminds us that religious office, impressive titles and ceremonial offerings cannot substitute for a humble spirit that respects legitimate authority.
Hebrews 13:17 also urges believers to respect those entrusted with spiritual oversight, while 1 Peter 5:2-3 reminds church leaders to shepherd God’s flock willingly and by example.
Regarding litigation, 1 Corinthians 6:1-7 challenges believers to exercise wisdom when resolving disputes among themselves rather than rushing to secular courts.
Although this passage should not be misconstrued as an absolute prohibition against seeking lawful judicial protection, it certainly demands serious reflection before internal Church disagreements become public legal battles.
My Lord, taking the Primate and, by extension, the Church to court may be a way of asserting one’s rights, but is it necessarily the best course of action for the Church?
The right to seek judicial protection must be distinguished from the wisdom of the choices we make in resolving ecclesiastical disputes.
Permit me, therefore, to ask you a personal question: If a priest serving under your episcopal authority took an ecclesiastical dispute involving you to court without first exhausting appropriate Church procedures, how would you feel? Would you consider it an act of independence, insubordination or a failure to respect ecclesiastical order?
The same principles of fairness, accountability and discipline must apply upwards as well as downwards.
My Lord Bishop, the Church must never become a battlefield where authority is respected only when its decisions favour us. Constituted authority must act within its lawful jurisdiction, and those subject to it must equally respect legitimate processes.
Stepping aside for six months, if this is the Primate’s authorised recommendation, could be a profound demonstration of restraint, not weakness; maturity, not surrender; and faith, not fear.
Ultimately, the issue is bigger than any individual. It concerns the credibility of the Church, the confidence of the faithful and the Christian witness presented to a watching world.
My Lord, sometimes the greatest victory is not winning an argument but preserving the peace.
Obedience is better than sacrifice, and unity is worth more than personal triumph.
When the mother-cow chews grass, her calf watches her mouth.My apologies to the late Professor Chinua Achebe.
