At the 2nd session of the 9th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Lafia, Rt. Rev. Godwin Robinson called on President Bola Tinubu to address the underlying factors fueling insecurity and economic difficulties in Nigeria. Speaking in Lafia on Saturday, the bishop stressed that sustainable solutions depend on confronting these fundamental issues.
The synod’s theme, “Keep the Flame Alive on the Altar,” inspired Bishop Robinson to emphasize the need for structural reforms that tackle injustice, insecurity, and underdevelopment at their core. “Structural reforms must address the root causes of injustice, insecurity and underdevelopment,” he said.
He commended the Renewed Hope Agenda introduced by President Tinubu as a commendable initiative but urged the government to ensure its positive effects are felt by all Nigerians, especially the marginalized. “We call on the government to ensure that renewed hope becomes real hope for the poor, the displaced, the jobless and the marginalised,” the bishop remarked.
Invoking Leviticus 6:13, Robinson reminded the faithful of their duty to serve God and humanity, maintaining the spiritual fire on the altar and passing this legacy to future generations. He described the altar fire as a “divine-human partnership in sustaining worship,” which priests must guard by faithfully performing their duties.
He urged church leaders to emulate the Levites who consistently kept the altar fire burning by clearing ashes, supplying fresh wood, and offering sacrifices daily. “One of the greatest failures in ministry and life is neglecting this sacred duty of trans-generational faithfulness,” he warned.
Bishop Robinson also encouraged Christians to establish personal altars where they can quietly receive God’s guidance, stressing that “The fire of God’s Altar must not be allowed to die” in any place or heart.
The synod gathered clerics and delegates from all churches in the Diocese, highlighting the church’s role in fostering spiritual and social renewal.