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The Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese Rt Rev Samuel Ezeofor has decried the high rate of idolatry among the youths despite increase in the number of churches in the society.
The bishop stated this while declaring open the maiden Aguata Diocesan lecture series’ with the theme Culture, Tradition and the Gospel at the cathedral church of Saint John Ekwulobia.
Ezeofor blamed parents and ministers of God for the high rate of idolatry among the youths, calling on priests to rise to the occasion.
“Aguata Diocese decided to take the lead in organizing lecture series’ on Culture, Tradition and Gospel because there is need to enlighten the youths more on the difference between culture, tradition and the gospel,” he said.
Describing culture as people’s identity, the Bishop who doubles as National Chairman, Evengelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC) cautioned against misconception between culture, tradition and gospel in order not to bring threat to the society.
He called on Christians to always see themselves as living gospel by engaging in those acts capable of winning souls for Christ.
Delivering lecture on ‘Building Ancestral Heritage and Christian Faith’, Prof Kanayo Nwadialor of Department of Religion and Human Resources, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka regretted gradual fading away of respect for elders from the Igbo society.
Nwadialor argued that nothing is wrong in using Igbo and native names to baptize a child in the church, stressing that some native names are given to a child due to circumstances.
He clarified the notion that use of kola nut in celebration, especially in the church is idolatry, calling on Christians to seek ways of encouraging those culture not antithetical to development and gospel.
Also speaking, Ven Dr Emmanuel Uzuegbunam also of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka regretted the callous and exploitative tendencies of the present day church, cautioning the people against going back to ancient foundation of forefathers which he said have no benefits.
“Many youths are going back to idolatry because the church has disappointed them through actions,” he said.
Uzuegbunam who identified problem of Ndigbo as identity crises called for the return to personal sacrificial orientation to save the present generation.
In a vote of thanks the c
Chairman of Aguata Diocesan lecture committee, Ven Dr Steve Nnadi described the lecture series’ as an expository into culture Tradition and gospel, calling on participants to always differentiate between culture, tradition and gospel for enhanced development of the society.
The event which featured interactive session, had in attendance president of Aguata Diocesan Women’s Ministry, Mrs Chinyere Ezeofor, President Aguata Diocesan Council of Knights, Sir Obiora Okeke, former President General joint council of Knights Church of Nigeria, Sir Isaiah Ezezika and Director of Media and communications Diocese of Aguata, Abuchi Nwozor.
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