By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anglican Church of Nigeria has taken disciplinary action against one of its clerics in Anambra State, Reverend Ifunanya Maduka, over what it described as involvement in “arranged and manipulated prophecies” presented as genuine manifestations of God.
In a strongly-worded letter issued by the Diocese on the Niger and signed by the Bishop on the Niger, Owen Nwokolo, the priest was suspended from his position as Vicar of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Nteje, for six months without pay, with immediate effect.
The Diocese said the decision followed what it described as credible and verifiable reports that the cleric engaged in staged prophetic acts by allegedly inducing or paying individuals to act out scenarios, which were then presented as miracles to unsuspecting congregants as divine revelations and spiritual manifestations.
According to the Church authority, the development became more disturbing after the priest reportedly admitted to the act when confronted with evidence.
The Bishop noted that the priest had previously enjoyed commendation for sound doctrine and good conduct, and had repeatedly assured the Diocese that his ministry aligned with Christian teachings and Anglican standards. However, the recent findings, he said, showed that those assurances were misleading.
The Church expressed grave concern over the implications of the conduct, listing offences such as false prophecy, deception of the faithful, abuse of the name of God, and actions capable of amounting to obtaining money under false pretence.
Describing the development as unacceptable, the Diocese stated that such behaviour contradicts the sacred calling and moral expectations of ordained ministers, while also bringing disrepute to the Church and undermining public trust.
Consequently, apart from the suspension, the priest was directed to immediately hand over all church properties, documents, and funds in his custody to the appropriate authorities within the parish, and to vacate the church premises within four days.
The Diocese further disclosed that a disciplinary panel would be constituted within one month to carry out a more detailed investigation and determine any further actions in line with Church regulations.
While expressing sadness over the incident, the Bishop urged the embattled cleric to seek repentance and realign with the principles of sincere and faithful service.
Some alleged conducts of the suspended priest, which have sparked off a chain of reactions and counter-reactions on social media, were further corroborated by videos currently trending on social media.
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