Churches must be security conscious —Taiwo

The need for churches to take security seriously was part of the discussion at the 12th annual Synod of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Elekuro Diocese Ibadan, last weekend as the Bishop of the Diocese; Right Reverend Babatunde Abiodun Taiwo, urged churches and Christians in Nigeria to be conscious and alert about their environment.

Bishop Taiwo called on the Federal Government to address the security challenges facing Nigeria and condemned the rate of insecurity of Christians around the world, making reference to the recent coordinated attacks on Christians with the bombing of churches in Sri Lanka on April 22, 2019.

“It is becoming too rampant for terrorists to target congregations, this situation needs to stop. Nobody is authorized to take life of others. No church in Nigeria is safe and Christians must protect themselves,” Rt. Rev. Taiwo stated, adding that the Federal Government must take decisive action on terrorism before it degenerates because people are already taking arms to protect themselves.

The Bishop while delivering the Bishop’s presidential address themed, Obedience to God better than sacrifice at the 12th Annual Synod held at Methodist Church Gangansi, Ibadan, urged the church to subscribe to obedience rather than opting for sacrifice and called on government at all levels to put an end to incessant killings before the situation goes out of control.

• Methodist Church Nigeria worried over insecurity

“God has always supported and sought our obedience rather than sacrifice. Disobedience is a form of idolatory,” he stated, and also tasked the Federal Government to make the implications of the SUKUK bond clear to Nigerians.

He must always appealed to governors to implement the new minimum wage in order to reduce crime rate in the country and commended the Presbyter of Methodist Church Nigeria Gangansi, Ibadan, the Very Reverend Jide Adeniji, for his commitment while calling on other priests to emulate the retiring minister of God.

Rt. Rev. Taiwo described the retiring priest as ‘a living stage’ who did a good job, added, “He is a man of God. We are appreciating him while he is alive. He has been working to grow this church without being paid for 25 years. Upcoming ministers should look up to him as an example.”

The retiring Presbyter of Methodist Church Nigeria Gangansi Ibadan, Very Reverend Jide Adeniji on his part, told the congregation that gathered to celebrate his retirement and 70th birthday that, “Whatever has a beginning must have an end. Ending on a good note makes me happy.”

He charged upcoming ministers to emulate the example of Jesus in their ministries and thanked his wife and children for supporting his ministerial work.

He also commended the out-going administration under Senator Abiola Ajimobi for the peace and development enjoyed in the state and called on the incoming government to improve on this laudable achievement and appreciated the Methodist Church Nigeria for giving the opportunity to serve in the capacity of Very Reverend of Methodist Church Nigeria, Gangansi Ibadan.

It is on record that the Methodist Church Nigeria, Elekuro Diocese intentionally took the 12th Synod of the Diocese to Methodist Church Gangansi, Ibadan to incorporate the retiring service of Very Reverend Jide Adeniji into the Synod programme to appreciate his meritorious and selfless services to God  and humanity.