Cleric tasks Christians

An Anglican Cleric, the Rev Christian Ifesia, has charged the faithful to worship God in humility, and without hypocrisy in order to attract God's upliftment.

Rev Ifesia explained that God originally created man to do good and at the same time to be his, brother's keeper. He made the call while preaching the sermon during the service to the end of the 21st Conference of the mothers of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu at Emmanuel Anglican Church. Umualum, Nekede 

Rev. Ifesia advised Christians to remove hatred, envy, malice in serving God. Speaking on Genesis 4:9, where Cain murdered his brother Abel because of jealousy and envy, he regretted that some Christians were still speaking Cain's language, who rather than take care of his brother, killed him. He said they should not be associated with the saying that they do not need to look at any body's face when they have a more beautiful face, as they depict the spirit of Cain.

The man of God pointed out that one of the purpose of the Church was to take care of the needy but regretted that some Churches have deviated from its essence and called on Christians to always be their brother's keeper, attending to the needs of their neighbors. He stressed that by so doing they are allowing joy in their lives. 

 Rev. Ifesie who is the Parish Priest of Obube Parish called on both political leaders and Traditional rulers to always show love to those under them rather than subjecting them to hardship. While also advising leaders at all levels to always respect the right of their citizens and the rule of law he urged them to ameliorate the suffering of their citizens by regular payment of salaries and pensions.

The clergyman counseled the Imo state government to pay compensation to those whose buildings and shops were destroyed, stressing that it would help alleviate their suffering and also reduce crime in the State. On the strike by Doctors and the Academic Staff of University (ASUU), the Cleric pleaded with both bodies to sheathe their swords for the sake of their patients and students. He also urged the Federal government to fulfil its obligations both to ASUU and Doctors. 

Some personalities present at the service include the Bishop Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Enyinnaya Okorafor, who presided over the service, the Bishop emeritus and wife Rt. Rev. Prof Emmanuel Uchechukwu Iheagwam and Mrs. Adaku Iheagwam, the Registrar, Sir Ifeanyi Eke, some members of the Fellowship of Diocesan Royal Fathers led by their chairman, HRH Eze Engr. Frederick Nwachukwu and the host traditional ruler Eze Stephen Agumanu.

(c) Christian Voice Newspaper