COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE TWELFTH SYNOD HELD AT THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS, BALOGUN AGORO, OSOGBO FROM THURSDAY, 27TH APRIL TO SUNDAY, 30TH APRIL, 2023
PREAMBLE
The theme of the Synod is “Anglican Spirituality: Exploring the Power in the Eucharistic Service” 1 Cor.11:23-25. We are encouraged to embrace this very apt considering the myriads of challenges the nation is facing at the moment. We are thus encouraged to embrace the Eucharist because it is the heart of Christian worship which represents the memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Eucharist service is important because by it we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Jesus commanded us to love, remember Him and to wait for His return. When we know the importance of the Eucharistic service, it will guide our conduct in our personal lives and make the society a better place because we will live our lives in a way pleasing to the Lord.
MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH
Synod implores us as Christians to recognize the significance of the Eucharist. It is powerful, it represents Christ’s sacrificial death and it also unites us with Christ and with one another and also renews our commitment to follow Him.
As Christians, we are a light to the world; we can reconcile people to God by embracing and promoting the Eucharist.
The Synod frowns upon indecent dressing in church during service and various ceremonies. Likewise, disturbance of a service due to ringing of phones as well as other sources of disruption to the sanctity of the service are also discouraged.
MESSAGE TO THE STATE OF OSUN
The Synod congratulates the new Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke and encourages him to reciprocate the confidence reposed in him by the people of the State by fulfilling the campaign promises and ruling in the fear of the Lord.
MESSAGE TO THE NATION
The Synod wonders why a new Federal constitution expressing the true picture of things in Nigeria has been so difficult to implement. Cosmetic amendments done to the constitution bit by bit cannot restore true federalism because it is only a political system that can provide solution to ethnic disparity as well as other issues rampaging the nation. Furthermore, Synod enjoins Nigerians not to relent in pursuing true Federalism.
Synod welcomes the bills passed recently and assented to by the President lately because they will foster positive developments in the federating states; e.g. financial independence to the States-House of Assembly and the Judiciary, power devolution, establishment of railway system by states, allowing state governments to own electricity power grids even in areas where the Federal government covers. Synod however implores the new Government of Osun State to key into prioritizing electricity in socio-economic development.
The Synod notes that the cashless policy of the Central bank of Nigeria has led to a reduction in banditry, kidnappings and ransom taking in Nigeria. It has also helped to mop up monies outside the banking system. This is welcome because these monies that are outside the banking system have contributed to rising inflation and currency speculation resulting in foreign exchange challenges. The redesign of the naira has also aided in the mopping up of monies outside the banking system. However, the policy caused untold hardship and agony to the people. That notwithstanding, Synod calls on Nigerians to consider the good intention of the government and embrace the policies which will move us forward so that we can become one of the developed countries among the comity of nations.
Synod congratulates Nigerians for the relative peace enjoyed after the last general elections, contrary to pre-election apprehensions. However, Synod observes the poor quality of the election, considering the allegations of vote buying, disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression in some states and unfulfilled promises by INEC.
Synod observes an improvement in voter enthusiasm and implores Christians with good intentions to join political parties because of the paradigm shift from party focused election to individual candidates.
The Synod is aware of the resolution of the President elect to remove fuel subsidy by June this year, which will be in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and the Appropriation Act 2023. However, the Federal Government chooses to do it, it should better the lives and the standard of living of the people of Nigeria and thus advises the government to see to the upgrading and repair of the refineries.
They also implore the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to find a lasting solution to the security crisis in the nation. The Governors of the various states should also replicate these solutions in their states.