By Angela Atabo

The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has reaffirmed the Anglican Communion’s stand against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ).

Ndukuba made this known at the 14th edition of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers Conference (ACRLOC) in Abuja.

The theme of the conference – “Called as a Watchman”, was taken from the book of Ezekiel 33:7.

The Primate, speaking on the topic “The Decade of the Reign of God: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects”, said the theme was a call to action to warn the church and the society against evil and sin and be custodians of uprightness among others.

Ndukuba urged legal professionals to be bearers of justice and sound counsel, adding that just like Ezekiel, God had called them to watch over justice and play the role with vigilance, responsibility, and courage.

“God said, `I have made you a watchman’; like Ezekiel, you did not appoint yourself; God appointed and you must see yourselves as such, knowing you are accountable to God and the diocese.

“Likewise, while your qualifications may come from law schools and bar exams, the moral weight of your role comes from the Lord, who has called you into this role in His church,” he said.

He also said that the watchmen’s calling required attentiveness to God’s voice, listening carefully and paying attention not just to news or laws but to the voice of the Lord, the truth of God’s word and conscience.

He said to achieve this, watchmen should be courageous, vigilant, faithful, compassionate, forthright and committed enough not to remain silent in the face of injustice.

“As legal professionals, you are not just gatekeepers of the moral fabric of society but also of the Church in providing sound counsel to the Church at all times.

“Under God, you have been chosen to watch over truth in the church proceedings and represent God in the courtroom.

“This requires personal spiritual commitment and moral courage, especially when popular opinion pushes against godly conviction,” he said.

Mrs Kehinde Ajoni, Registrar, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), in her welcome address, said Ezekiel 33:7 revealed the consequences for both the watchman and the people, if the warnings against sin were not heeded or ignored.

Ajoni, who is also the Chairperson, Planning Committee of the conference, said the text underscored God’s desire for the repentance and salvation of His people and has, therefore, raised watchmen to hear His word and warn the people.

She encouraged them to rise from the conference and reaffirm their absolute resolve to salvage the Church from ravaging wolves both from within and without.

“Let us rise to be the Watchman that God desires us to be, indeed,” she urged. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu