For the first time since 1952, the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) in a circular has suspended its 95th annual convention.
The postponed of its yearly program is connected to the second wave of covid-19 pandemic ravaging the world.
LCCN council executive said after a careful deliberation took the pain and released a circular and it reads thus:
“Following the resolutions reached at the Executive Councils meeting of 15/01/2021, I wish to convey to you the following key items for dissemination to LCCN Congregations and institutions in your diocese:
“The LCCN Executive Council at its meeting of 15th January 2021, after a careful deliberation taking into consideration the current state and risk of aggravating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, took the painful decision to suspend indefinitely the 95th Annual National Convention originally scheduled to hold from 24th 28th February 2021 at the LCCN Covenant Ground Demsa, Adamawa State, Nigeria.”
The national convention has been holding in February every year since 1952. In a circular signed by the administrative secretary of the church Mr. Parisa Ishaku and was made available to newsmen by Felix Samari the communications officer of the LCCN, the church executive council made the decision considering the high risk of exposing the hundreds of thousands of worshipers that attend the convention in Demsa every year.
The circular however stated that the Church will hold an expanded General Church Council to allow the consecration of a Bishop-elect and ordination of some 32 pastors.
“To ensure the consecration of the bishop-elect of Yola Diocese and ordination of 32 prospective candidates as pastors that cannot be postponed, the EC approved the convening of an Expanded General Church Council (BME) from the 25th 28th February 2021 at the St. Johns Arch Cathedral, LCCN Headquarters, Numan for prayers, reflection and administration of the acts of consecration and ordination accordingly.”
According to the circular, “This would ensure that the chain of Annual National Conventions since 1925 continues.”
The Circular calls that all General Church Council members be duly informed. As part of the annual line of activities, the LCCN will commence a church-wide prayer and fasting starting February 1, to the 21st. The 21 days fasting period will accord the Church the time to pray for the church and the society.