“Can God Reject Worship?” — Mbaise Diocese Opens 12th Synod with Stirring Message on Fear of God

“Can God Reject Worship?” — Mbaise Diocese Opens 12th Synod with Stirring Message on Fear of God

***

Rt. Rev. Ifeanyichukwu Godfrey Ekpenisi, Bishop of Ika Diocese, 


A thought-provoking message questioning the essence of Christian worship set the tone as the Diocese of Mbaise, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), officially kicked off the First Session of its Twelfth Synod on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Nguru-Nweke, Aboh Mbaise.

The Synod, themed “The Loudest Hallelujah Without the Fear of God” (Amos 5:23–25), immediately sparked deep reflection among worshippers as church leaders challenged Christians to look beyond outward religiosity and embrace genuine godliness.

Delivering a stirring sermon, the Synod Guest Bishop and Preacher, Rt. Rev. Ifeanyichukwu Godfrey Ekpenisi, Bishop of Ika Diocese, spoke on the sub-theme: “The Voice God Rejects and the Worship He Seeks.” Drawing from real-life situations, the cleric painted vivid examples of believers who pray fervently, evangelize passionately, speak in tongues, and demonstrate spiritual gifts such as prophecy and healing, yet fail to show love to fellow humans.

According to him, worship without love for humanity is empty, stressing that anyone who claims to love God while lacking compassion for others misses the very essence of Christianity.

He reminded Christians that loud praises, emotional worship, and outward displays of spirituality mean little when divorced from righteousness, sincerity, justice, and the fear of God.

“Without love for humans, love for God would be absent,” the bishop emphasized, urging believers to strive daily to become Christlike in character and conduct.

One of the major highlights of the opening service was the renewal of oaths of allegiance by clergy of the Diocese to God and to the Diocesan Bishop, symbolizing recommitment to faithful ministry, discipline, and ecclesiastical order.

Earlier in the day, the opening activities began with a courtesy visit led by the Diocesan Bishop of Mbaise, Rt. Rev. Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo, to the residence of the Traditional Prime Minister of Nguru-Nweke, Ishi Nze Engr. Sir Nnamdi Oparaji. The visit, attended by the Guest Bishop, clergy, traditional rulers, church officials, and lay faithful, attracted a warm reception marked by traditional dances and presentation of kolanuts.

Among dignitaries present were the Traditional Ruler of Owutu Kingdom, HRH Eze Greg Christian, diocesan officers, clergy, and members of the laity.

In his remarks, Engr. Sir Nnamdi Oparaji expressed joy over the bishops’ visit and appealed for prayers for peace, progress, and divine blessings upon Nguru-Nweke, while the bishops responded with prayers for the land and its people.

The atmosphere later shifted to ceremonial splendour as members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade mounted a guard of honour for inspection by the Diocesan Bishop before delegates proceeded into the formal Synod opening with a Holy Communion Service presided over by Rt. Rev. Ogunedo.

As deliberations continue, one question from the Synod theme continues to echo loudly among participants:

Can worship truly please God without love, righteousness, and the fear of God?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Renewal of oaths of allegiance by clergy of the Diocese to God and to the Diocesan Bishop


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