Brothers+

At times there have been expressions of apprehension
on this list about our relationship with the Church of
Nigeria.

Looking over some old church records at Good Shepherd,
I found that Idowu Adewakun lead morning prayer and/or
preached at Good Shepherd, Indianapolis on 9/13/1998. 


Not long before that date Idowu had come to America
from Nigeria where he had been a banker.  He was a
pioneer.  He overcame many difficulties, including
finding a job to support himself, to help smooth the
way for others who followed him.  He and others who
came to the US from Nigeria did not find TEC
welcoming.

He found the little Good Shepherd APA mission and was
warmly received.  Prior to his leaving Nigeria, Idowu
was preparing for priesthood.    From time to time
over the next 3 years Idowu lead morning prayer until
I was installed as Vicar at Good Shepherd on
5/20/2001.

The same month that I arrived on the scene at
Indianapolis, Idowu brought Fr. Amos Fagbamiye and his
family to Good Shepherd.  Since I was commuting from
Cincinnati to Indianapolis several times a month, Fr.
Amos invited me to spend a week end with him and his
family so we could have extensive talks and come to
understand one another.

After that meeting I felt confident in recommending
Fr. Amos to Bishop Grundorf and the APA.  Fr. Amos was
licensed and served as co-pastor for over two years
until his Nigerian bishop  requested that the Nigerian
brothers establish  Chapel of the Resurrection. I lost
contact with Idowu for a while, but he persued his
calling under the auspices of Fr Amos and the Church
of NIgeria. 

The Chapel of the Resurrection has done very well in
the last three years.  They no longer meet in the
chapel of a retirement community.  They purchased and
remodeled a building in a growing community in
Northwest Indianapolis and number over a hundred.  Fr.
Amos established a 7:30 am Eucharist to serve those
who work in hospitals, as well as other efforts at
outreach.

Last year, Idowu Adewakun was made priest.  Church of
the Good Shepherd was privileged to have Fr. Idowu
preach for us and a number of those from Chapel of
Resurrection visit and sing for us on the Sunday
before Easter.  The two congregations have remained in
close contact, providing us with some insight into
what is happening in Cana.  Fr. Idowu was very
generous in his comments and referred to himself as a
son of Good Shepherd.

As a result of some questions raised on the subject of
women’s ordinations and Cana, I recently asked Fr.
Amos what Cana will do in regard to this subject.

He informed me that the Bishop – Elect (Minns) will be
enthroned in May.  His specific task is to help set up
the administrative structures and communications for
CANA.  The pastoral responsibilities will be carried
out by 4 Nigerian bishops, already chosen and
functioning.

One of the Bishops is visiting churches in Chicago and
other parts of the mid-west as I write this.  Cana has
divided the U.S. into 4 territories.  They plan to
continue to aggressively evangelize American Cities
where TEC and other old line churches are collapsing
and closing.

As to women priests, I have to accept the word of
Venerable Fr Amos Fagbamiye when he said this is not
on Cana’s agenda.  He was surprised that we would have
such a question and volunteered to put us in touch
with the new bishops to clarify matters.

It was Fr. Amos who provided the APA the opportunity 
to become acquainted with the Church in Nigeria.

Bishop Grundorf was aware that I would ask Fr. Amos
about the rumors.  When I reported the results of my
conversation with Fr. Amos to Bishop Grundorf, he
indicated he would soon be visiting with Bishop-elect
Minns and also with Arbp Akinola.    We may expect
further clarification after those meetings.

Let us not pre-judge the situation.  In my opinion, we
have much to be happy about in regard to the efforts
of our brothers.  Pray for and support our Bishops and
others who are involved in efforts to widen our
opportunities for fellowship.   

Charles+
Church of the Good Shepherd, Indianapolis