Preamble
We, the delegates of the 201st General Church
Council (GCC) of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), gathered at
St. John’s Arch Cathedral, Numan, from 26–29 May 2026, under the leadership of
the Archbishop, Most Rev. Musa Panti Filibus, PhD, OFR. During this Council, we
came together in Christian fellowship for worship, prayer, deliberation, and
shared responsibility, mindful that our calling is to advance the work of God
and to serve humanity in the name of Christ.
Our Convictions and Resolutions
Having reflected on the calling of this Council
to serve faithfully in the advancement of God’s mission, we affirm that our
shared responsibility is rooted in Christ. We therefore resolve as follows:
Leadership and Development
The GCC elected Rt. Rev. Dimga Jones Kadabiyu,
Bishop of LCCN Shallholma Diocese, as GCC Vice Chair following the vacancy in
the office. The GCC expresses its appreciation to the former Vice Chair, Rt.
Rev. Peter Amana Bartimawus, PhD, for his dedicated and faithful service to the
Council over the years.
The GCC also approved the creation of a new
diocese, to be known as Nyalnokori Diocese, carved out of LCCN Todi Diocese and
comprising Murgarang, Mbula, Fog and Borrong Divisions, with its headquarters
in Borrong, Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Transportation and Travel Safety
In response to recent troubling developments and
the painful loss of church members through road accidents while traveling to
major church gatherings, we resolve to establish a comprehensive travel and
safety policy. We recognize our duty before God to protect human life with
wisdom, responsibility, and care. Consequently, the Council mandates the
development of clear structures and guidelines concerning transportation and
travel safety.
Stewardship of Church Vehicles
We affirm that the proper management of church
vehicles is a matter of faithful stewardship and the protection of human life.
We therefore resolve to establish clearer regulations regarding the designation
of trusted, qualified, and licensed drivers, the implementation of strict
systems for regular vehicle maintenance, and proper supervision of the use of
church vehicles in ministry.
Progress of the Proposed Lutheran University
Nigeria
We thank God for the tremendous and steady
progress being made on the proposed Lutheran University project. We deeply
appreciate the commitment, support, and contributions of our mission and
ecumenical partners, friends, pastors, and members of the Church whose
sacrifices continue to sustain this vision.
We look forward to the official visit of the
National Universities Commission (NUC) for assessment and accompaniment in this
process. Despite financial challenges, compounded by the sharp rise in the cost
of building materials, we call upon the entire Church to remain committed,
patient, steadfast in prayer, and actively supportive of this legacy vision for
generations yet to come.
Thanksgiving, Memorials, and Celebrations
We give thanks to God for the witness and
faithful service of our co-workers who have gone to their eternal rest,
including the late Archbishop, Most Rev. Nemuel A. Babba. The Council affirms
the decision to hold a thanksgiving and memorial service in his honour on 6
June 2026 at St. Monica LCCN Cathedral, Yola, to be attended by members of the
family, friends, and ecumenical partners.
We also give thanks to God for the life and
service of our Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Elder Emmanuel S. Sabiya, who
will celebrate his 80th birthday on 29 May 2026 at LCCN No. 19 Karewa Extension, Yola.
The GCC also paused to mark Children’s Day,
giving thanks to God for all children. As the Scriptures remind us, “Children
are a heritage from the Lord …” (Psalm 127:3). We pray for their
protection, nurture, and wellbeing, especially in these challenging and often
volatile times that make many children vulnerable.
We call upon families, the Church, society, and
government to strengthen their commitment to the care and protection of
children, so that they may be safeguarded, guided, and given access to a secure
and hopeful future.
We further extend our goodwill to our Muslim
neighbours and compatriots as they celebrate the Sallah season, praying for
peace, joy, and harmony among all people.
The State of the Nation
We speak with deep concern over the continuing
loss of lives across Nigeria and the persistent insecurity affecting daily life
in many parts of the country. We remember in prayer the families and
communities devastated by violence, as well as those living in fear and
captivity.
We recognize and honour the dedication and
sacrifices of our security personnel and armed forces who daily risk their
lives for the safety of others. We call for stronger support, better
coordination, and renewed strategies to address the scale of insecurity
confronting the nation.
We also decry the growing economic hardship,
rising cost of living, and inflation, which continue to place immense pressure
on our members and citizens. We pray that the Lord, in His mercy, will bring
justice, peace, healing, and stability to our land.
As the nation moves toward the 2027 general
elections, we call upon all citizens to participate responsibly, peacefully,
and with self-control, and urge the government to strengthen measures that
promote fairness, justice, and security. We especially urge our young people
not to be used for violence or destruction, but to work for the peace and
wellbeing of our communities.
Conclusion
In the midst of national, economic, and
institutional challenges, we remain steadfast in hope and give thanks to God
that the Church continues to move forward in faith and service. We express deep
appreciation to our bishops, dioceses, institutions, and church workers for
their commitment, sacrifice, and continued cooperation.
Our confidence rests not in ourselves but in the
ultimate faithfulness of God, holding fast to His Word: “The one who calls
you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Signed,
Most Rev. Musa Panti Filibus, PhD, OFR
Archbishop, Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN).
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