“Let Justice Roll Like a River”: Bishop Ogunedo Condemns Religious Hypocrisy at Mbaise Synod

By Rose Dijiugbor

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The Third Day of the First Session of the Twelfth Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Mbaise took a profound spiritual turn as the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo, delivered a passionate presidential address urging Christians to reject religious hypocrisy and embrace justice, sincerity and authentic faith.

The synod, which drew clergy, lay faithful, guests and church leaders from across the diocese, featured a Holy Communion service, worship activities and institutional reviews. However, beyond administrative reports and commendations, the emotional climax of the gathering emerged in the bishop’s deeply reflective sermon on moral responsibility and genuine Christian living.

Speaking with urgency, Bishop Ogunedo challenged worshippers to move beyond outward displays of religion and cultivate lives rooted in justice, compassion and truth.

Drawing from biblical teachings, he warned that religious practices devoid of righteousness and moral accountability amount to empty rituals unacceptable before God.

Invoking prophetic scripture, the bishop declared that God seeks justice more than ceremonial observances, insisting that faith without sincerity weakens both the church and society.

“Let justice roll like a river,” he urged, stressing that Christianity must be reflected not merely in public worship or repeated religious exercises, but in fairness, upright conduct and compassion toward others.

The bishop condemned what he described as religious hypocrisy — the deliberate use of faith as a mask for wrongdoing or selfish ambition — warning believers against hiding behind church activities while neglecting truth and moral responsibility.

According to him, hypocrisy is not simply spiritual weakness but a conscious distortion of faith for personal gain and deception.

He cautioned that God is more interested in transformed hearts and righteous living than in outward religious performance, reminding Christians that sincerity in conduct matters more than appearances.

In a society struggling with injustice, mistrust and moral decline, Bishop Ogunedo said Christians have a duty to become examples of integrity, fairness and accountability.

The bishop’s message resonated strongly with synod delegates, many of whom described it as a timely challenge to both church leaders and ordinary believers to return to authentic Christian values.

Earlier in his presidential address, Bishop Ogunedo reviewed activities of diocesan institutions and organisations, including the Abode Rehabilitation Centre, Diocesan Christian Men’s Fellowship, Council of Knights, Anglican Youth Fellowship, Anglican Children’s Ministry and the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, commending their efforts while calling for greater commitment and accountability.

But it was his spiritual appeal for justice over ritual, sincerity over pretence and truth over hypocrisy that defined the mood of the day, leaving worshippers with a solemn reminder that genuine faith must be lived, not merely proclaimed.

As the synod continues, participants say the bishop’s stirring call may remain one of the most memorable moments of the gathering — a challenge to let faith flow beyond church walls and into everyday conduct.