Bishop Imasuen counsels church workers on diligence

BISHOP of the Diocese of Benin, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion), Right Reverend Dr Peter Imasuen, has charged priests and lay readers to be committed to the service of God.

He stated this at the 2018 Trinity ordination of priests, and commissioning of lay readers in the diocese at St. James Anglican Church, Akpakpava, Benin City, the Edo State capital, last Sunday.

Reverend Chinonso Ndubuisi Oguike was ordained as priest, while the commissioning and upgrading of 20 lay readers, as well as six accolades was also held during the event.

In his address, Imasuen said: “There are many priests in the church, but they are not doing the work they were commissioned to do. Parishes have lay readers that are not functioning, but only present at services. They are commissioned to assist the priest in the course of service, and not commissioned for preaching. None should complain that his or her name is not on preaching list. They have their roles to play in God’s vineyard.

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“Both the old and newly ordained priests and commissioned lay readers should be fervent and duly committed in their service in God’s vineyard. That should be their primary responsibility.”

Prior to this, the guest preacher, Venerable Nnaemeka Nwosu of the Diocese of Lagos West, advised Anglican priests to package themselves spiritually, acquire knowledge and be sensitive to what was happening around them.

Speaking with TribuneChurch Oguike said: “I feel very happy as the calling of God upon my life has been confirmed by the Lord Bishop through this ordination. I know that a very big responsibility has been laid upon me as a priest, and by the grace of God, I will accomplish all of them.”