World Council of Churches declares prayer against famine in Nigeria, others

The World Council of Churches (WCC) had declared a global day of prayer to end famine in Nigeria and three other countries, in response to the hunger crisis said to be threatening the affected nations.

In a message by the General Secretary, Reverend (Dr) Olav Fykse Tveit, the WCC was collaborating with the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and a range of faith-based partners and networks and declared May 21 as the day of prayer to end famine.

“Famine has been declared in areas of South Sudan, with Somalia, Nigeria, and Yemen on the brink of famine. More than 20 million people are at risk of starvation in these four countries alone. And globally, millions more suffer from drought and food shortages. But famines are much more than simple lack of food. They are the result of conflict, drought, poverty and global inaction, and in most cases they are preventable.

“We believe the churches have a prophetic role in calling to mobilise their members, the wider society and governments, and make a difference during this unprecedented period of suffering,” Tveit stated.

He called on churches to take up the challenge of providing emergency relief and support, and in building peace, by putting an end to the violence and hunger that affects both current and future generations.

“As part of efforts to encourage people of faith and goodwill around the world to observe the global day of prayer on 21 May, the WCC is making available a collection of liturgical resources, prayers, photos and suggested songs to be used in faith congregations worldwide.”

“Food is more than a human right; it is a divine gift that cannot be impeded. As people of faith on a Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, we are called to respond to the hunger crisis through prayer, and we encourage communities of all faiths to organise themselves around the issue of access to food,” Tveit concluded

Anglican primates lament insurgency, drought, hunger in Nigeria

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a global family made up of nine provinces and five branches, representing the majority of the world’s Anglicans, has lamented insurgency, drought and famine in Nigeria, and called for urgent actions to reverse the negative trend.

This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting held from 24th till 28th April, 2017, which was convened with the aim to pray and work for the continued renewal of the Anglican Communion. The organisation also appreciated what it described as the extraordinary hospitality of the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, the Archbishop of Lagos, and the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

“Many in our African provinces are confronted by the dual threats of insurgent Islamism and drought. The targeting of Christians and churches in northern Nigeria has been in the news, and the daily dangers there and elsewhere continue to be real. Combined with drought conditions, there is the potential for widespread famine in our Sub-Saharan provinces,” the statement read.

There was also discussions on the 2018 Global Anglican Future Conference, which will also coincide with the 10th anniversary of GAFCON and will take place in Jerusalem with the theme, Proclaiming Christ Faithfully to the Nations; the ongoing civil war in South Sudan, and the challenges faced by the church in that province; divine intervention for Episcopal leadership, especially in areas where the scripture was facing challenges, as it related to marriage, among other issues.

“We are grateful for the leadership of our Chairman, the Most Reverend (Dr) Nicholas Okoh. As we look towards Jerusalem 2018, we ask for your continued prayers and support. Specifically, we ask that you would pray for the continued renewal of the Anglican Communion, and the spread of this reform movement. In all these things may Christ be glorified and his name proclaimed faithfully to the nations,” the communiqué concluded.