COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 201ST GENERAL CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF CHRIST IN NIGERIA (LCCN)

 

St. John’s Arch Cathedral, Numan, Adamawa State, 26–28 May, 2026

 

Preamble

We, the delegates of the 201st General Church Council (GCC) of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), gathered at St. John’s Arch Cathedral, Numan, from 26–29 May 2026, under the leadership of the Archbishop, Most Rev. Musa Panti Filibus, PhD, OFR. During this Council, we came together in Christian fellowship for worship, prayer, deliberation, and shared responsibility, mindful that our calling is to advance the work of God and to serve humanity in the name of Christ.

Our Convictions and Resolutions

Having reflected on the calling of this Council to serve faithfully in the advancement of God’s mission, we affirm that our shared responsibility is rooted in Christ. We therefore resolve as follows:

Leadership and Development

The GCC elected Rt. Rev. Dimga Jones Kadabiyu, Bishop of LCCN Shallholma Diocese, as GCC Vice Chair following the vacancy in the office. The GCC expresses its appreciation to the former Vice Chair, Rt. Rev. Peter Amana Bartimawus, PhD, for his dedicated and faithful service to the Council over the years.

The GCC also approved the creation of a new diocese, to be known as Nyalnokori Diocese, carved out of LCCN Todi Diocese and comprising Murgarang, Mbula, Fog and Borrong Divisions, with its headquarters in Borrong, Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Transportation and Travel Safety

In response to recent troubling developments and the painful loss of church members through road accidents while traveling to major church gatherings, we resolve to establish a comprehensive travel and safety policy. We recognize our duty before God to protect human life with wisdom, responsibility, and care. Consequently, the Council mandates the development of clear structures and guidelines concerning transportation and travel safety.

Stewardship of Church Vehicles

We affirm that the proper management of church vehicles is a matter of faithful stewardship and the protection of human life. We therefore resolve to establish clearer regulations regarding the designation of trusted, qualified, and licensed drivers, the implementation of strict systems for regular vehicle maintenance, and proper supervision of the use of church vehicles in ministry.

Progress of the Proposed Lutheran University Nigeria

We thank God for the tremendous and steady progress being made on the proposed Lutheran University project. We deeply appreciate the commitment, support, and contributions of our mission and ecumenical partners, friends, pastors, and members of the Church whose sacrifices continue to sustain this vision.

We look forward to the official visit of the National Universities Commission (NUC) for assessment and accompaniment in this process. Despite financial challenges, compounded by the sharp rise in the cost of building materials, we call upon the entire Church to remain committed, patient, steadfast in prayer, and actively supportive of this legacy vision for generations yet to come.

Thanksgiving, Memorials, and Celebrations

We give thanks to God for the witness and faithful service of our co-workers who have gone to their eternal rest, including the late Archbishop, Most Rev. Nemuel A. Babba. The Council affirms the decision to hold a thanksgiving and memorial service in his honour on 6 June 2026 at St. Monica LCCN Cathedral, Yola, to be attended by members of the family, friends, and ecumenical partners.

We also give thanks to God for the life and service of our Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Elder Emmanuel S. Sabiya, who will celebrate his 80th birthday on 29 May 2026 at LCCN No. 19 Karewa Extension, Yola.

The GCC also paused to mark Children’s Day, giving thanks to God for all children. As the Scriptures remind us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord …” (Psalm 127:3). We pray for their protection, nurture, and wellbeing, especially in these challenging and often volatile times that make many children vulnerable.

We call upon families, the Church, society, and government to strengthen their commitment to the care and protection of children, so that they may be safeguarded, guided, and given access to a secure and hopeful future.

We further extend our goodwill to our Muslim neighbours and compatriots as they celebrate the Sallah season, praying for peace, joy, and harmony among all people.

The State of the Nation

We speak with deep concern over the continuing loss of lives across Nigeria and the persistent insecurity affecting daily life in many parts of the country. We remember in prayer the families and communities devastated by violence, as well as those living in fear and captivity.

We recognize and honour the dedication and sacrifices of our security personnel and armed forces who daily risk their lives for the safety of others. We call for stronger support, better coordination, and renewed strategies to address the scale of insecurity confronting the nation.

We also decry the growing economic hardship, rising cost of living, and inflation, which continue to place immense pressure on our members and citizens. We pray that the Lord, in His mercy, will bring justice, peace, healing, and stability to our land.

As the nation moves toward the 2027 general elections, we call upon all citizens to participate responsibly, peacefully, and with self-control, and urge the government to strengthen measures that promote fairness, justice, and security. We especially urge our young people not to be used for violence or destruction, but to work for the peace and wellbeing of our communities.

Conclusion

In the midst of national, economic, and institutional challenges, we remain steadfast in hope and give thanks to God that the Church continues to move forward in faith and service. We express deep appreciation to our bishops, dioceses, institutions, and church workers for their commitment, sacrifice, and continued cooperation.

Our confidence rests not in ourselves but in the ultimate faithfulness of God, holding fast to His Word: “The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

 

Signed,
Most Rev. Musa Panti Filibus, PhD, OFR
Archbishop, Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN).