Adamawa elections: Archbishop Panti Filibus Calls for peace

By on in

The Archbishop of the Lutheran church of Christ (LCCN) and the President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Most Rev Panti Filibus Musa called on the people of Adamawa state to remain peace as they await the conclusion of the gubernatorial election which was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returning officer at the collation centre in Yola. 

Archbishop sent out a press statement through the communication office of the church which was made available to the media on Monday at about 4pm from the Church headquarters in Numan Adamawa State. 

The Statement reads:

On behalf of the Lutheran church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) I wish to congratulate the entire people of Adamawa State for a peaceful conduct before, during and after the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections held on the 9th of March 2019 across all the 21 local government areas of the State. The conduct of the people of Adamawa State as observed generally have demonstrated your commitment to authentic democratic culture.
While we await the conclusion and outcomes of the elections, I call on us to assume collective responsibility for peace to reign in our state and by extension, our country. I call on all parties and party members to exercise high sense of restraint in making statements or taking actions that may heat up the polity. Let me particularly admonish the youths to stay calm and remain law abiding at any time during this period.
I wish to also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission and all-party agents at the collation centres for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner. This demonstrates that the people of Adamawa state are peace loving and law abiding.
I call on all to remain fervent in prayers for peace in the states where elections have been declared inclusive and others where collation was suspended.
God bless Adamawa State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Peace.
 
LCCN is one of the largest church denomination in Adamawa state and represents a large percentage of the population of the state. The church has its headquarters in Numan southern Adamawa.

Continue Reading

Archbishop Musa commisserates with the Catholic church in Nigeria over building collapse

By on in



The Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria commiserated with the Catholic Church in Nigeria over the tragedy of collapse church  building at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Ugolo, Adagbrasa,Okpe local government area in Delta State.

The statement which was made public through Communication office of the church reads  "I received the news of the collapse of  the St. Paul Catholic Church, Ugolo, Adagbrasa in Okpe local government area of Delta State with great shock. It's a very unfortunate situation that only God our creator knows why.
My heart goes out to the worshippers of this congregation of God's people especially those who were trapped in the collapsed building during morning worship service. It is a tragedy that only God knows why.
On behalf of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria I send my sincere condolences to the family of the one person that died in the tragedy and pray for quick recovery of the injured. We are standing in solidarity with the Catholic church and the entire body of Chris in Nigeria during this trying moment."
Continue Reading

LCCN Bishops Call for Prayers to end killings in Nigeria

By on in
"We reiterate the church’s passionate call to the government of Nigeria to put in place proactive measures and actions to intercept and bring to end the activities of these “Fulani herdsmen.” The government is empowered and obligated by the constitution to protect citizens from any form of aggression, internal or external. It must not renege in carrying out these constitutional obligations." The LCCN Council of Bishops called passionately. The statement reads further,  "We further call on the government to make haste to provide relief materials to the internally displaced persons and work towards their safe resettlement to their ancestral homes. We call on all political office holders, religious leaders and traditional leaders to rise to end forthwith these senseless violent attacks. Shedding of blood on our land must not be tolerated."
Bishop Benjamin Fuduta Secretary LCCN Bishops' Council 

They also called on the security operatives to continue in the effort of ensuring the security of lives and property of Nigerians. "While praying for the security operatives, we call upon them to be non-partisan in the discharge of their duties of safeguarding lives, properties and territorial integrity of Nigeria."

The message enjoined the members of LCCN to embark on a three day fasting and prayers for the peace of Nigeria. "As a church, we continue to pray for God’s divine intervention on this horrible situation. Hence all members are called upon to observe special prayers and fasting from July 23-25, 2018."
Continue Reading
By on in
Archbishop Dr. Musa Filibus Praised the Church in Arewa Diocese
The Archbishop visited Arewa Diocese on the 18th of June 2017. The visit was his first official visit to any Diocese in LCCN since his assumption of office as the Archbishop and the President of the Lutheran World Federation.
In his speech to the church at the cathedral in Kala’a the Archbishop started by bringing Greetings from the headquarters of the church and the Lutheran Communion in the world. He said this was the first official visit to any Diocese after he returned from Namibia. He thanked the Bishop for giving him the opportunity to be visiting with the Diocese even at short notice.
The Archbishop said the purpose of the visit was to share in the fellowship and to encourage one other in the vineyard of God as was instructed to the apostles to continue in fellowship with one another by visiting and encouraging one another. He said with this kind of fellowship the church today would be able to bequest a good legacy for the coming generation. He also said that the visit was to have the opportunity to discuss other matters with the Bishop as it relates to the progress and development of the church.
The Archbishop said that he identify with the church and people of Arewa Diocese for all the pains and loses they incurred during the days of insurgency. He brought Condolence message for the church in particular and remembered the families of the children who were recently killed by an explosive given to them by an unidentified terrorist. He prayed that the lord will give the families fortitude to bear such lose. He strongly condemned the act of terrorism in the region and called on the people to be more watchful and careful as there are still pockets of terrorist hanging around. He condemned all kinds of bloodshed that included the killing of innocent children.
He commended the diocese for works in the church including discipleship and Theological Education by Extension (TEE). He said in the entire LCCN there is non-yet that has such developed Distance learning theological curriculum. The Archbishop also praised the effort of the Arewa Diocese for their engagement in Language preservation programme where they have continued to develop the Hoba language in publishing materials in the language.
On the prevalent Unemployment in the country, the Archbishop called on the parents and the church to join hands to support the youths to promote entrepreneurial ventures among them. He said there was no doubt that unemployment is increasing in the country and the church is the most affected. He mentioned that the youths should not be discouraged; they should be courageous enough and be resolute to do whatever they find descent and legal to the best of their ability. He charged the youth to desist from following those who will lure them with money to do what is not right. He said they are not for sale. To the young ladies he urged them to be determined to become useful citizen in the society and they should not let themselves to be used and their future destroyed.
He called for unity in the body of Christ. He said there is always need to be grateful to God and be aware of the fact that Christ had destroyed boundaries of tribal, gender, and social differences. He encouraged the church to take gathering of the brethren seriously.
The Archbishop called on leaders in the church at all levels to remain committed to their calling. He asked the leaders to be careful and do their stewardship faithfully knowing that they will have to give account of their stewardship. He asked the church to care for her workers and to support the leaders to make their woks pleasant.
On politics the Archbishop said, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria therefore, the members of the church must know their right and embrace their right. “If you did not come out to vote you have already voted; because you have decided to accept anything as the outcome of the election.”  He particularly called on the church members to ensure they have registered as voters as the registration may be closed soon. He called on all Christians from all nooks and crannies to come out and register. He also reiterated the need for everyone to get enrolled in the ongoing National Identity Card enrolment exercise. He said they must do this at the right time and soon.
He concluded by thanking the church for the prayers, he said no organization will succeed without support of the members. He thanked God for the Bishops for being ready and willing to give him the needed support. He asked the members of the congregation and the diocese to do everything as unto God.  


Continue Reading

Archbishop Dr. Musa Filibus Praised the Church in Arewa Diocese

By on in

The Archbishop visited Arewa Diocese on the 18th of June 2017. The visit was his first official visit to any Diocese in LCCN since his assumption of office as the Archbishop and the President of the Lutheran World Federation.
Cross-section of worshipers at LCCN Kala'a
Photo: Felix Samari
In his speech to the church at the cathedral in Kala’a the Archbishop started by bringing Greetings from the headquarters of the church and the Lutheran Communion in the world. He said this was the first official visit to any Diocese after he returned from Namibia. He thanked the Bishop for giving him the opportunity to be visiting with the Diocese even at short notice.

      The Archbishop said the purpose of the visit was to share in the fellowship and to encourage one other in the vineyard of God as was instructed to the apostles to continue in fellowship with one another by visiting and encouraging one another. He said with this kind of fellowship the church today would be able to bequest a good legacy for the coming generation. He also said that the visit was to have the opportunity to discuss other matters with the Bishop as it relates to the progress and development of the church.

      The Archbishop said that he identify with the church and people of Arewa Diocese for all the pains and loses they incurred during the days of insurgency. He brought Condolence message for the church in particular and remembered the families of the children who were recently killed by an explosive given to them by an unidentified terrorist. He prayed that the lord will give the families fortitude to bear such lose. He strongly condemned the act of terrorism in the region and called on the people to be more watchful and careful as there are still pockets of terrorist hanging around. He condemned all kinds of bloodshed that included the killing of innocent children.

  He commended the diocese for works in the church including discipleship and Theological Education by Extension (TEE). He said in the entire LCCN there is non-yet that has such developed Distance learning theological curriculum. The Archbishop also praised the effort of the Arewa Diocese for their engagement in Language preservation programme where they have continued to develop the Hoba language in publishing materials in the language.

   On the prevalent Unemployment in the country, the Archbishop called on the parents and the church to join hands to support the youths to promote entrepreneurial ventures among them. He said there was no doubt that unemployment is increasing in the country and the church is the most affected. He mentioned that the youths should not be discouraged; they should be courageous enough and be resolute to do whatever they find descent and legal to the best of their ability. He charged the youth to desist from following those who will lure them with money to do what is not right. He said they are not for sale. To the young ladies he urged them to be determined to become useful citizen in the society and they should not let themselves to be used and their future destroyed.

   He called for unity in the body of Christ. He said there is always need to be grateful to God and be aware of the fact that Christ had destroyed boundaries of tribal, gender, and social differences. He encouraged the church to take gathering of the brethren seriously.

   The Archbishop called on leaders in the church at all levels to remain committed to their calling. He asked the leaders to be careful and do their stewardship faithfully knowing that they will have to give account of their stewardship. He asked the church to care for her workers and to support the leaders to make their woks pleasant.
On politics the Archbishop said, democracy has come to stay in Nigeria therefore, the members of the church must know their right and embrace their right. “If you did not come out to vote you have already voted; because you have decided to accept anything as the outcome of the election.”  He particularly called on the church members to ensure they have registered as voters as the registration may be closed soon. He called on all Christians from all nooks and crannies to come out and register. He also reiterated the need for everyone to get enrolled in the ongoing National Identity Card enrollment exercise. He said they must do this at the right time and soon.
   
He concluded by thanking the church for the prayers, he said no organization will succeed without support of the members. He thanked God for the Bishops for being ready and willing to give him the needed support. He asked the members of the congregation and the diocese to do everything as unto God.  

#TLTnews


Continue Reading

LCCN elected new archbishop

By on in


                                                            
On the 24th of November, 2016 at the second siting of the LCCN biannual general church council in Jimeta Yola the Adamawa state capital a new archbishop was elected. The election process was started at about 1PM when the Archbishop most rev. Nemuel Abubakar Babba introduced the electoral committee to oversee the election. The chairman of the committee Mr. Mark Dauda announced the commencement of the election and all pastors and delegate where verified to partake in the elections.
It started with nomination of candidates. Eleven Bishops including the siting archbishop were nominated among the nominees the top three were Rt. Rev. Musa Filibus who score 194 votes, Most Rev Nemuel Babba got 151 votes and Rt. Rev Amos Bukata scored 44 votes. Election was conducted on the three by 444 pastors and 108 delegates. At the end of first round of the election Rt. Rev. Musa Filibus got 345, Most Rev Nemuel Babba got 200 and Rt. Rev Amos Bukata got 17 votes. In order to get the required two third majorities as stipulated by the constitution of the LCCN there was second round of voting between the two with the highest vote. At the end of which Rt. Rev. Dr. Musa Filibus got 440 votes, Most Rev. Nemuel A. Babba got 108 votes.
The chairman of the electoral committee declared Rt. Rev. Musa Filibus as the elected Archbishop. Thanking the electoral committee, pastors and delegates Most Rev. Nemuel Babba said time for the church to move to another level had come. He said the electoral committee was “hardworking and dedicated and have done a wonderful job. I appreciate you for doing good job.” About the Archbishop elect, the Archbishop said, “Bishop Musa Filibus will take this church a greater height with your support. You supported me and I believe you will support him. My new role is to advise him and support him to ensure LCCN has become a greater church.”  The archbishop presented the Archbishop elect to the General Church Council.
In his acceptance speech Rt. Rev. Dr. Musa Filibus started by thanking God for calling him to the higher calling. He thanked the Archbishop for the leadership he has given the church and asked the GCC to ensure that he was supported in like manner. “His Grace the Archbishop was first elected in 2001 and has served this church for 15 years. I am sure it is because you supported him that he succeeded this much, I therefore urge you to continue to support the church so that we can work to higher glory. I thank His Grace for the service and stewardship he has given the church. I will not be able to do anything without your support and prayers. I call on all the church to endevour to work for the glory of the name of God.”
Rt. Rev. Musa Panti Filibus holds a degree in and Masters in Theology from Theological College of Northern Nigeria and he also obtained a PhD from the Luther Seminary in the USA. He worked at the Bronnum Lutheran Seminary Mbamba where he was made the Provost until he took appointment as the Africa Regional Secretary at the LWF. At the LWF, he later became the Director at the Department of Mission and Development (DMD) until he was elected Bishop of Mayo-belwa Diocese in 2012. Rt. Rev. Musa was consecrated and installed as the first Bishop of Mayo-Belwa Diocese in October 2013. Later in November that year he was elected as the Assistant to the Archbishop. Rt. Rev. Dr. Musa Filibus will be consecrated as the third Archbishop of LCCN in February, 2017.
Continue Reading

Poverty is not an assurance of salvation – His Grace Most Rev Musa Panti Filibus PhD presented a sermon at Kala’a

By on in

His Grace Most Rev Musa Panti Filibus
Photo:Felix Samari
His Grace Most Rev Dr. Musa Panti Filibus delivered a sermon on the 17th of June, 2017 at LCCN Cathedral Kala’a during his official visit to the Arewa Diocese. Taking text from Luke 16:19 – 31 according the Lutheran lectionary 2017 the Archbishop read the Luke’s account of the Parable of the Lazarus and the Richman.
Commencing his sermon to the church, the Archbishop said there are several lessons to be learnt from the parable Jesus gave about the kingdom of God. He said the word frown at waste and against laziness. He said the lord is pleased to see hardworking people. He quoted 2Thassalonians 3:10 where the Apostle admonished the church not to allow the lazy among them to have their way.
Rt Rev Amos Elisha Gaya Bishop Arewa Diocese
Photo: Felix Samari
The Archbishop said the parable of Lazarus and the Richman does not celebrate poverty neither was it condemning riches. He said it is clear that poverty in the house of a believer is tormenting and can deny a believer the opportunity to preach the gospel. He quoted again 1Timothy 5:8 where it says that he that cannot provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever. He said on other hand wealth has become what has separated many from God. According to the Archbishop many have used wealth as a tool to molest and maltreat the poor in the society.
He said no matter how poor a human being can be he can never be bought or sold for a price and that no matter how rich one can be he cannot buy a human being because humans are not for sale. The Archbishop emphasized that poverty of man cannot deny him salvation as wealth of man cannot afford him salvation because salvation is not for sale.  “No one can be saved because of his poverty as no one can be saved because of his wealth because salvation is not for sale.”

 He said if it were because of the poverty of Lazarus that he entered heaven then heaven would have been filled up by the many poor people that are dying every day.
He pointed that man is saved through the redeeming grace of God that is obtained in Christ Jesus though faith alone. For all believed and are baptized they can be saved. Not because of whom they are or what they have or have not, but because of the work salvation that is given in Christ alone.

The archbishop admonished the church to focus on the free gift of God which is in Christ Jesus live relevant in this life. He charged believers to do meaningful and descent jobs that will earn them a honorable means of living for themselves and the church. He said when they are blessed with wealth they should not let that God given wealth separate from serving Him and humanity.
He said to be contented in the blessing of God Christians must understand that “Whatever we have on earth we must be good stewards to the glory of God” and “Remember that God gave us wealth to take care of ourselves and provide for others.”
The Archbishop warned against ill-gotten wealth that many people are clamoring for nowadays. He asked the church to desist from engaging in fraudulent and criminal ways of acquiring wealth. He admonished the church to work hard and maintain good Christian reputation in the society and be good stewards of the gifts and blessings of God in this world. He called on the rich to care for the less privilege as it is a good Christian virtue. “Every Christian must cultivate the mind of goodness towards others.”
The Archbishop said salvation is a personal thing as no one can inherit or bequest to other. “A Christian must learn to live like a child of God. No one gets salvation because of the family he comes. Everyone must inherit salvation through genuine repentance and walking in Christ Jesus. Walk in the light of Christ that we may not be remembered as wicked people or be reminded of our past evils in heaven.”
As a mark of respect for the special day for fathers in the world, the Archbishop wished all Fathers happy father's day. He urged mothers to remember to celebrate their husband as fathers of their children.


Continue Reading
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)