By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
Nigerian Christian leaders have been called upon to resist the seductions of “prosperity gospel devoid of hardwork”.
The Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, gave the advice at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha during the Standing Committee Meeting of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
He said that such preaching has gradually turned the nation to a society without values, honesty, hardwork and integrity.
He advised Christians to always spread the gospel that promotes good values in society.
At the event that attracted about 1,000 delegates, including the Primate, Archbishops, Bishops, Chancellors and Lay delegates, from across the country, Obi appealed for a reversal in the trend now.
His words: “We have gradually turned to a religious economy, rather than productive economy. Go to different churches today, you hear things like ‘receive your car keys’! You then see people, who should be more concerned about contributing to a more productive economy, falling for such distractions.
“Let the church rise up and spread the true gospel of hardwork, diligence and honesty.”
Obi urged everyone to continue to preach hardwork and discipline for societal growth and development.
On Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba’s, announcement that the Church needed N5 billion for Mission Trust Fund spanning up to five years, Obi said that itb was possible.
Obi stated that the Church can find some well-to-do Christians who will be willing to support the the missionary work.
He said they only needed 500 donors, willing to give N10 million each, to hit the N5 billion target in no distant time.
Announcing his donation, Obi said, “I will support the missionary work here with N10 million. And let me announce that I have about 10 people who are willing to also support the Church with N10 million each. So right now, we only need extra 489 people who can donate N10 million to help us hit the N5 billion target”, Obi stated.
Reinstating his membership of Mbamili Diocese, Anglican Communion, Obi said that he would always support the growth of the Diocese as a full member.
He said that he decided to join the Mbamili Diocese, when he was the Governor of Anambra State, because the Diocese was domiciled within the poorest area of the state and thus, needed all the help they could great.
He praised the former Chief Shepherd of the Diocese, Bishop Henry Okeke, who he said, not only preached the gospel, but saved lives both physically and spiritually, and always campaigned for the development of the area.
He called on the new Bishop of the Diocese, Rt Rev Obiorah Uzochukwu, to continue taking the Diocese to greater heights.
