The Diocese of Abuja on Thursday commenced the First Session of its 13th Synod at St. James Anglican Church with a strong call on Christians to embrace the “priesthood of all believers” and become instruments of transformation in society.

The synod, themed “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” and drawn from 1 Peter 2:4-5 and 9-10, brought together bishops, clergy, delegates and church leaders from across Nigeria.

Presiding over the opening service, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Bishop of Abuja, Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba, described the gathering as an important opportunity for the church to reflect on its mission in a society facing hardship, hunger and poverty.

He likened the synod to the council of believers in Acts Chapter 15, where the early church met to deliberate on issues affecting the faith and the future of believers.

According to the Archbishop, the church must return to the Word of God and depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in order to effectively represent God and positively impact society.

“We are considering the priesthood of all believers and how we can be equipped to serve God. Service to God must have impact on the people around us,” he said.

Archbishop Ndukuba stressed the need for Christians to remain steadfast in prayer while also becoming agents of peace, hope and transformation during difficult times.

“In a time when many people are suffering from hunger and poverty, it is necessary for us to make ourselves available not only to God but also to the people around us,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the synod would strengthen the church spiritually and empower believers to touch lives through the Gospel and practical acts of service.

The Primate also explained that each synod cycle lasts three years, noting that the previous gathering marked the Third Session of the 12th Synod.

Delivering the sermon, Ven. Titilope E. Ogbonyomi charged Christians to equip themselves for “true religion” through evangelism, caring for the poor and ministering to those in need.

He urged believers to remain willing and ready to serve God faithfully and demonstrate the Gospel in their daily lives.

The opening service also featured the recitation of the Nicene Creed by the congregation.

Speaking on the significance of hosting the synod in Abuja, a member of the Local Organising Committee, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said the gathering attracted bishops and delegates from across the country because of Abuja’s importance as Nigeria’s seat of government and the headquarters of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria.

He noted that the synod would provide an avenue for delegates to deliberate on ways of making the church more relevant to society and strengthening Christians for effective service.

“We have about 600 delegates who will discuss how the church and individual believers can become better Christians and make the church more relevant to society,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Barrister Emeka Etiaba, SAN, described the synod as a period of reflection and spiritual evaluation for Anglicans.

He expressed gratitude that St. James Anglican Church was selected to host the event and prayed for God’s guidance throughout the proceedings.

The synod is expected to continue with deliberations, appointments and discussions aimed at strengthening the mission of the church and advancing Christian service in Nigeria.

Highlights of the opening ceremony included a Boys’ Brigade inspection by the Bishop as well as colourful processions by choristers and bishops.