Anglican Primate Urges Newly Ordained Clergy To Strengthen Families, Uphold Integrity

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has charged newly ordained deacons and priests to make the family their foremost mission field, stressing that strong homes are essential to addressing Nigeria’s prevailing economic and security challenges.

Ndukuba gave the charge on Sunday during the Trinity Diaconate and Priesthood Ordination Service held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja.

He said the family remains the foundation of society and urged the new clergy to devote themselves to nurturing healthy homes, noting that national transformation begins with strong families.

“”You are being sent not to titles, but to souls. Your first parish is home. If you strengthen families, you will strengthen the nation,” he said.

The Primate reminded the ordinands that their calling was one of service and sacrifice, urging them to model the teachings of Jesus Christ, serve as worthy ambassadors of the Church, and uphold the nation’s values through lives of integrity and commitment.

He also appreciated the visiting dignitaries, members of the legal team, the clergy, and the families who gathered to support the ordinands on the occasion.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Ukwa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Manasses Okere described the priesthood as a sacred call to faithfulness and self-denial rather than personal ambition or public recognition.

“”The altar is not a place for self-promotion, but for self-denial. As you are ordained today, be men of prayer, men of the Word, and shepherds who smell lie the sheep,”” Okere said.

He urged the newly ordained ministers to remain steadfast in proclaiming the truth, promoting unity within the Church and society, and interceding earnestly for Nigerians amid the country’s numerous challenges.

The ordination service featured the examination of candidates, the administration of canonical and administrative oaths, and the laying on of hands.

A total of 10 deacons and 14 priests were ordained during the Trinity Sunday service, which attracted clergy, family members, and worshippers from across the Anglican Communion in the Federal Capital Territory.

The ceremony concluded with a special anointing and prayers for the success of the newly ordained ministers in their various postings across the country, as well as intercessions for peace, stability, and national progress in the remaining months of 2026.