From Nigeria-
An unholy war is raging in the Lagos West Diocese of the Anglican Communion, with the combatants threatening fire and brimstone as the crisis gets messier.
At the centre of the conflict are the Bishop of the Lagos West Diocese, Peter Adebiyi, and the 14-member senior church council of St Paul’s Anglican Church, Mushin.
At a press conference on January 30, the church council accused Bishop Adebiyi of ethnic sentiments, insensitivity and high-handedness.
The parish is dominated by Igbo-speaking members, which is reflected in its name and description as St Paul’s (Igbo) Anglican Church.
But the name is not the bone of contention. Rather the members are at war with the Bishop because, among other allegations, the latter dissolved the church council, an action the feuding members consider as illegal and had ethnic colouration.
“Within the past eight years, we as a congregation have suffered silently and borne the weight of concealed hate, tribalism and unguarded discriminatory attitude and utterances of this bishop, who has roundly failed us both as a bishop and father. Bishop Adebiyi has at every opportunity demonstrated dictatorial nepotism and characteristic tribalism in handling affairs that impact our congregation at St Paul’s Church, Mushin,” the council said through Mr Richard Agbamisere.
The church council said trouble started on July 5, 2009 when the bishop through Venerable C.T Arowolo of the Isolo Archdeaconry dissolved the duly elected council, citing the way the church was administered between 2005 and 2008 as reason for his action.
But, the council wondered why the sins of the 2005 – 2008 executive should be visited on the 2009 executive and sought further explanation from the bishop, who said he received telephone calls and text messages from faceless persons informing him that church funds were not properly managed.
More here-
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/feb/14/national-14-02-2010-04.htm
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