wfn.org | Parties in Nigerian Lutheran Church Conflict Sign Memorandum

["Frank Imhoff" <Frank.Imhoff@elca.org>]

Parties in Nigerian Lutheran Church Conflict Sign Memorandum of
Understanding
LWF General Secretary Noko Presides over Mediation Meeting

ABUJA, Nigeria/GENEVA, 8 June 2005 (LWI) * Parties in an internal
conflict that had divided the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria
(LCCN) for the past ten years, have signed a memorandum of understanding
affirming their willingness to reconcile and move forward as one
church.

At a mediation meeting held June 5-6 in Abuja, Nigeria, representatives
of the LCCN diocesan and non-diocesan groups agreed, among other things,
that both parties suspend all court cases instituted since 1995. The
Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary, Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko,
presided over the meeting and signing of the memorandum by seven
representatives from each group. 

The magnitude of the conflict was extensive, threatening not only
church unity but also political harmony in Adamawa State where the LCCN
is headquartered, and the country. It had negatively affected the
LCCN's "mission and work and caused pain to families, individual
church members and the public," both parties noted in the memorandum.
Earlier mediation efforts had involved the LWF, local and international
ecumenical bodies, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Olusegun Obasanjo, without success. Prior to the Abuja meeting, Noko
held separate discussions with the Adamawa State governor and
traditional rulers.

The 1988 and 1995 LCCN Constitutions had been major points of
contention. Both parties therefore agreed to set up a constitutional
review committee that would examine the controversial sections for the
sake of reconciliation in the church. The ten-person team, with an equal
number drawn from each side, is expected to submit a new LCCN
constitution in three months, effective June 6.

The conflict had led to the setting up of several church administrative
structures, and consequent ordination of pastors, consecration of
bishops and an archbishop. In the memorandum of understanding, both
parties agreed to establish a committee that would "study and advise how
these structures shall be harmonized into one reconciled LCCN in
accordance with the reviewed LCCN constitution agreeable to all." They
resolved that all churches that had been locked up would be re-opened
"with immediate effect."

The grassroots' reception of the LCCN parties' agreement is crucial in
achieving peaceful co-existence in the church and communities affected.
It was resolved that leadership on both sides embark on effective and
vigorous enlightenment of church members about the signed document,
including translating it into Hausa language. A joint pastors' meeting
to explain the memorandum is planned in three weeks' time, followed by a
joint gathering of the women's and youth fellowship groups.

Archbishop Nemuel A. Babba led the LCCN diocesan delegation, while Rev.
Dr Danu H. Wonosikou led the non-diocesan group. Dr Noko and Department
for Mission and Development Area Secretary for Africa, Rev. Dr Musa P.
Filibus, officially witnessed the signing. There are two LWF member
churches in Nigeria, the LCCN with over 1.2 million members, and the
Lutheran Church of Nigeria with a membership of 135,000. (493 words)

(The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran
tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF currently has 138
member churches in 77 countries all over the world, with a membership of
nearly 66 million. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in
areas of common interest such as ecumenical and inter-faith relations,
theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the
various aspects of mission and development work. Its secretariat is
located in Geneva, Switzerland.)

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