South Asian Research Journal of Arts, Language and Literature (SARJALL)
Volume-3 | Issue-06
Review Article
Phases in the Development of the Anglican Church in Ogbakiri in Ikwerre of Niger Delta, 1895-2020
Ben O. Onu, Dr. Israel Ndu Johnson
Published : Nov. 10, 2021
Abstract
The story of the church in Africa reveals how God is working a miracle of grace in the lives of His people. This paper examined the significant phases in the development of Anglican Church in Ogbakiri (Wezina) clan in Ikwerre of Niger Delta, Nigeria. It covered a period of 125 years from 1895 when Christian presence was noticed in the area to 2020. Answer to the question of how the Anglican Church was organised in Ogbakiri clan, and what is the impact of church in the Diocese of Ikwerre, Niger Delta of Nigeria? The historical and participant observation approaches were adopted in data collection and analysis. The paper revealed that the churches were organised as a Group in 1933, attained District status in 1950 under Niger Delta Pastorate, and in 1995 became Ikwerre South Archdeaconry. St Paul’s Ogbakiri provided rallying point for churches in Wezina, Odegu, Rundele, and Emohua clans as headquarters. The Archdeaconry was downsized in 2007 to comprise of Ogbakiri churches with the creation of Ikwerre Diocese. Ogbakiri faithful have entered the three Anglican Houses of Bishop, Clergy and Laity holding various positions of trust. The study revealed that Ogbakiri Anglican church is dynamic, self-supporting, youth friendly, and visionary. We recommend the opening of new congregations in the area, investment in welfare as well as income generating ventures for the sustenance and continuity of the church.