By Chika Obi
The Diocese on the Niger has joined christians across Igboland in celebrating the 169th anniversary of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and the advent of christianity in the region, describing the occasion as a celebration of God’s saving grace and the enduring legacy of the early missionaries.
In a goodwill message issued on July 27 to mark the anniversary, the diocese expressed gratitude to God for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and for the spread of the gospel to igboland through the missionary work of the church missionary society.
The diocese paid tribute to the pioneering missionaries whose sacrifices brought christianity to the region, as well as the early indigenous christians who embraced the faith and helped to spread it despite numerous challenges.
According to the message, the impact of the CMS extends beyond evangelism, noting that its missionary activities laid the foundation for formal education, healthcare delivery, improved agricultural practices and the promotion of moral values that have continued to shape communities across Igboland.
The diocese, however, cautioned christians against teachings and ideologies that could weaken the christian faith or undermine the legacy of the early missionaries, urging believers to remain steadfast in Christ and recommit themselves to the great commission by sharing the gospel in their homes, communities, workplaces and other spheres of influence.
It prayed that the anniversary would inspire christians to deepen their relationship with Christ, strengthen their commitment to the church and faithfully preserve the christian heritage for future generations.
Christians across the diocese on the Niger joined members of the wider Anglican Communion in commemorating the historic milestone, celebrating 169 years of the transformative impact of the Gospel in Igboland.
Chika Obi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
