Nigerian Archbishop Akinola Seated on International Throne of New York Cathedral
Episcopal News Service. July 16, 2002 [2002-176]
(ENS) "I believe this is a historic and propitious moment in the life of our beloved Anglican Communion."
With those visionary words, the Rt. Rev. Mark Sisk, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, installed the Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria on the International Cathedra of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in Manhattan.
Over 500 people watched as Archbishop Peter Akinola was seated on the international throne on Sunday, July 7. The majestic cathedral radiated a festive mood with all the trappings. Many visitors were adorned in colorful African robes befitting the welcoming of an African leader, with African drums and music greeting the procession as it made its way to the high altar.
"This is a moment when we reach around the globe and join hands with our brothers and sisters in the faith," said Sisk in addressing the congregation. "This is moment when we see face to face those for whom and with whom we pray. This is a moment in which we affirm that our essential unity in Christ transcends our need to agree in every particular. This is a moment in which we confirm that not only is our communion broad enough and strong enough to withstand diversity, we are strong enough to realize that our very strength is enhanced by our diversity."
Global mosaic
All who stepped to the lectern--Sisk and Akinola, as well as Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold and Dean James Kowalski of the cathedral--addressed the different contexts of the global mosaic.
"It is my belief, it is my conviction, it is my hope, that we in New York will be made stronger by a closer fellowship with the church in Nigeria as you, our brothers and sisters, witness Christ's presence and love in the face of some of the most demanding and even dangerous settings on earth," said Sisk. "And in turn, is it my hope and conviction that the witness of the church in Nigeria will be enhanced and strengthened by a deepened fellowship with us here in New York as we too, in our way, attempt to witness to the abiding love of God for all people, wherever and in it whatever circumstances they may find themselves."
Akinola drew applause when he announced with sincerity, "You have accepted us as we are, no strings attached. And for this we are very grateful. In so doing, we believe that both you and I have left the door open for stronger mutual friendship, for greater deepening and understanding of our relationships."
Talking about the phenomenal growth of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, Akinola cited his diocese's decision to plant 52 churches in 2002. "In May 40 were already planted," he announced. "In the middle of last week, five more had been planted. For us, church growth is a task that must be done."
Moving beyond doubts
Griswold relayed the rockiness of his initial meeting with Akinola two years ago, based on some public criticisms the archbishop made of developments in the American church, particularly on sexuality issues. "Because of what had been reported, I was none too sure that I wanted to meet him. He, on the other hand, had similar doubts about me." After meeting, praying and sharing together, they quickly became friends and learned "to appreciate the very different contexts in which we were called to be ministers of Christ."
Following their first meeting, Akinola asked Griswold to visit his country for the Nigerian bishops' annual retreat, a trip reported in the national Episcopal press. The presiding bishop was asked if he came with an agenda, "not simply because I was the primate of ECUSA but because the force of the United States economically and culturally is such that the Episcopal Church is seen as part of that highly ambiguous reality which is perceived as both curse and blessing known as globalization."
Griswold then told of the success and joy at the visit. "Little did I realize the invitation to Nigeria was an invitation to meet Christ clothed in a context and a cultural reality very different from my own," he said. "There democracy is still very much a fragile experiment and much of the infrastructure we take for granted is tenuous, to say the least. It is therefore the church, engaged in what it calls pragmatic evangelism, that is seeking to build many of the structures of civil society seen always as an expression of the Gospel and part of the ongoing work of evangelization."
Kowalski underscored the symbolism of the occasion, noting that hosting Akinola showed that Anglicans could "stand together despite our differences."
Answering questions
Following the service, St. James Chapel was jammed with men and women from the USA, Africa, and all parts of the world who wanted to meet the archbishop and learn more about him. Akinola greeted every question with calmness and a smile.
In response as to whether he previously had made disparaging comments about lesbians and gays, Akinola maintained that he had been misquoted. "Anybody in my position suffers from press interpretation all the time," he stated, announcing that he is often faced with people who "come with their own agenda. These are misleading people, people who deliberately mislead others," he stated. "The question did not ask about gays and lesbians."
Concerning the appallingly rapid growth of HIV/AIDS in Africa, Akinola pointed out the work the church. "In Nigeria, we have engaged more in the area of counseling."
The Church of Nigeria is the fastest-growing member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with 18 million members, comprised of 78 dioceses in three provinces. Others who have been seated on the International Throne are: Vasken I, Catholikos of the Armenian Church (February 1989); Karekin II, Catholicos of Cilicia (February 1989); Archbishop Michael Peers, Primate of Canada (October 1989); Archbishop George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury (September 1992); Archbishop Orland Lindsay, Primate of the West Indies (June 1994); Metropolitan Sergei, Moscow Patriarchate (March 1997).