Bishop Ekwe charges Anglican laity on God’s empowerment to move church forward

By Uzo Ugwunze

Anglican Bishop of Niger West, Rt. Rev’d Johnson Ekwe has challenged members of the communion to make themselves for God’s empowerment for the growth and development of the church.

Ekwe gave the advice while delivering his Homily at the 2025 Provincial Laity Convention held at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka with the theme, “Dry Bones Shall Rise Again”

He described the Laity as embodiment of all in the congregation of any church apart from the ordained priesthood.

He prayed God to raise His mighty hands and uphold the Laity through the Convention.

“I call on the Laity to allow selves to be empowered by the scriptures to move the Church of God forward,” he said.

President, Provincial Laity Council, Province of the Niger, Pharm Sir Chris Ukachukwu while addressing delegates described the theme as both prophetic and powerful that captured not only a vision of spiritual restoration but a divine promise of renewed life, strength and purpose.

He identified the biblical dry bones to represent spiritual apathy, weakened commitment, lost vision and scattered efforts.

Ukachukwu further listed five principles as stepping stones for the immediate revival of the LAITY in the Province and for “the bones to rise again” in the affairs of the Anglican Laity.

“The church needs prophetic re-awakening through the Word- the Word of God is a lamp unto the feet of every Laity and a light to their path.

“Intentional discipleship and training- bones come together when there is structure, our Laity needs to be trained, mentored, and mobilized for service.

“Unity and reconnection of the Body- a major challenge to the Laity is disunity and disconnection. We must work to reconnect the bones, to foster collaboration across Dioceses, lay organizations, and age groups.

“Breath of the Spirit, prayer and revival- no structure, no system, no Council will thrive without the Holy Spirit. Let us become people of prayer again.

“Raising the next generation- no revival is complete without effective succession. Our young people must not be left behind in this rising army. Let us empower them spiritually, intellectually, and economically to take their place,” he explained.

Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Sir Raymond Arinze said the rigorous process of putting together the content of the Convention and the hiccups were seen as stepping stones not only for a stronger more effective Laity but better Convention next year.

The well attended Convention featured installation of the Archbishop of Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace the Most Rev Alexander Ibezim and wife, Mrs. Martha Ibezim as Grand Patron and Grand Patroness respectively.

The Executive Beacon of Excellence Award was bestowed on the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Sir Ifeanyichukwu Ibezim while the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Sir Somtochukwu Udeze received the Beacon of Excellence Award.

There were also other Awards in different categories, Pillar of Laity; Community Service; Philanthropic and Excellent Service Awards given out to deserving individuals.