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Archbishop Christian Ekong

Nigerian Lutherans reelect Archbishop

by | Feb 3, 2022

Archbishop Christian Ekong speaks at the LCN’s 2022 Synodical Convention.

LCN Archbishop Christian Ekong and Bishop Raphael Aju after the 2021 election.

NIGERIA – The Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN) held its 42nd Regular Synodical Council November 26-28, 2021, during which time the church reelected Rev. Dr. Christian Ekong to another five-year term as Archbishop and President of the church. The council took place at the LCN’s headquarters in Obot Idim Ibesikpo in Akwa Ibom State.

Dr. Ekong was reelected in a 196-78 vote. He was first elected to lead the LCN in 2009.

The 2021 council also saw the Rt. Rev. Raphael Aju elected as Vice President of the LCN, as well as elections for the church’s Board of Directors.

A little more than a month later, from January 6-9, 2022, the Lutheran Church of Nigeria held its Synodical Convention. During this time, the LCN consecrated four new bishops (Rev. Samuel Essien, Rev. Thomas Gbarato, Rev. Daniel Eshiet, and Rev. Godwin Udosen), ordained more than 40 new pastors, and certified 19 deaconesses for service in the church. The convention also saw the installation of officers elected during the Synodical Council in November 2021.

The consecration of new bishops during the LCN’s 2022 Synodical Convention.

The Synodical Council and the Synodical Convention met under the theme “Called by Christ to Bear Fruit for Jesus,” based on Romans 7:4-7. Other business conducted at the two events included a resolution calling for greater stewardship of environmental resources in Nigeria and a discussion of the LCN’s Lutheran University project, among other work.

The Lutheran Church of Nigeria is a member church of the International Lutheran Council, a global association of confessional Lutheran churches.

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Nigerian Lutherans meet in convention, raise funds for university project

by | Jan 25, 2016

LCN Archbishop Christian Ekong gives the benediction during worship at the church's 2016 national convention.

LCN Archbishop Christian Ekong gives the benediction during worship at the church’s 2016 national convention.

NIGERIA – The Lutheran Church of Nigeria (LCN) held its Biennial Synod Convention in Obot Idim from January 6-10, 2015. Approximately 6,000 people attended the convention, which met under the theme “Christ Lives in Me, For Life Together,” based upon Colossians 1:27.

January 6 was a Choir Conference, and featured lectures on worship and liturgy. Dr. Isaac Udo of the University of Uyo presented on “Evangelical Church Music: Church Hymns and Anthems” in the morning while the Bishop S.O. Willie of the Rivers Zone presented on “Understanding Lutheran Liturgy and Presentation.”

The convention proper began January 7. Archbishop Christian Ekong took time to explicate the theme for the convention and lead prayer for a successful gathering. A major focus of the convention was the funding and development of the Lutheran University Nigeria Project. Nigerian Lutherans see great potential for the opening of a university, as education in the country is much sought after. The convention organized fundraising for the project and also broke ground near the LCN’s headquarters in Obot Idim.

Saturday evening saw Rev. Dr. Albert B. Collver give the convention’s keynote lecture on “Christ Lives in Me for Life Together.” Dr. Albert B. Collver is Executive Secretary for the International Lutheran Council and Director of Church Relations for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

The event closed with a massive celebration of worship on Sunday. Approximately 6,000 people were in attendance for the eight-hour service. Dr. Collver preached on the Baptism of Christ for the event. The service saw LCN Archbishop Ekong consecrate two new bishops for service in the church, following which Holy Communion was celebrated for the thousands in attendance.

Archbishop Ekong consecrates two new bishops for the Lutheran Church of Nigeria.

Archbishop Ekong consecrates two new bishops for service in the Lutheran Church of Nigeria.

2016 marks the 80th anniversary of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, which was founded in 1936 by missionaries from LCMS. Both the LCN and the LCMS are member churches of the International Lutheran Council.

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