Global South Anglican

Archbishop Dirokpa with the new Missionary Bishop, Rt Rev Abiodun Taiwo Olaoye (r)

Good news, at last, for the Congo!

Growing a church in a time of war is never easy but for the Most Rev’d Fidèle Diropka, Archbishop in the Anglican Province of the Congo it has sometimes seemed impossible. His country has been devastated by years of brutal warfare, many of his churches have been destroyed, clergy have been killed and parishioners scattered. His own ministry was severely restricted because his only means of traveling around the newly established diocese of Kinshasa, his own, was by public transportation that was rarely available and never safe. He shared some of his frustrations with his brother Archbishops and this prompted a decision by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) to purchase him a four-wheel drive vehicle to enable him to visit and encourage his scattered flock. But still his task as Archbishop of the Province seemed overwhelming. The Congo, located in the heart of Africa, is as large as the United States east of the Mississippi River. There are sections of the country, even where the Anglican Church has been present for some time, that are without adequate pastoral oversight. East Kasai is just one example. Bordering on Angola, it is mainly rural with some mining, especially of diamonds. There are about twenty small parishes there and yet, because of the flood of refugees the population of the regional capital, Mbuji Mai, is estimated to be about three million people.

Archbishop Diropka needed a missionary bishop ¬ someone who would not be overwhelmed by impossible challenges and who knew how to grow a church. He contacted the Church Mission Society in London ¬ an evangelical missionary agency of the Church of England that has had along history of sending out men and women to serve around the world. They suggested a radical solution ¬ contact the Church of Nigeria ¬ an Anglican province with more that seventeen million members that has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years under adverse circumstances. He contacted the Primate, Archbishop Peter Akinola, who in turn talked with Right Rev’d Ken Okeke, Bishop on the Niger and chairman of the Church of Nigeria Missionary Society. Bishop Okeke had previously served as the Director for Africa Region of CMS in England. They brought the challenge before the leadership of the Church of Nigeria and this past Friday (October 14) saw the result.

At a festive three and a half hour crowded service at Cathedral Church of Christ in Lagos, the Venerable Abiodun Taiwo Olaoye was consecrated as Bishop in the Church of God and as a missionary to the Church in the Province of the Congo. Two other new bishops, Canon Markus Amfani Ibrahim and the Venerable Abiodun Oluseguin Ogunyemi were also consecrated for Dioceses in Nigeria, interestingly in areas with large populations of non-Christians. Archbishop Diropka took part in this historic service and his big smile made it clear that he saw this a wonderful answer to his prayers. The Anglican Church in Africa has truly come of age ¬ instead of looking to others to provide leadership they are now reaching across their own national, cultural and language barriers with the life changing Gospel of Christ.

After the service as Bishop Olaoye and his wife Tessy (in photo) were surrounded by their friends and well-wishers Tessy admitted that she will have to work hard to get her French up to speed! They are full of confidence, however, that God has already gone before them. During the consecration Archbishop Akinola reminded the congregation that Christ’s command is clear: we are to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth and the Church of Nigeria is ready! Their enthusiastic response made it clear that this is likely to be the first many such missionary endeavors.

Who knows where will be next?

___________________________________