Ekpenisi, first-class graduate, ordained Anglican bishop

Godfrey Ekpenisi, a first-class graduate of Christian religious studies from the University of Abuja, has been ordained as bishop of the Anglican church.

He was ordained bishop of the diocese of Delta state by Nicholas Okoh, primate of the church, at a consecration ceremony at St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral Church, Kubwa, Abuja.

Ekpenisi, who was consecrated alongside two other bishops, was first elected bishop during the episcopal synod of the church held in September in Minna, Niger state.

Okoh, in his sermon urged the new bishops to be apostles to proclaim Christ’s resurrection, interpret the gospel, and testify to Christ’s sovereignty.

“You are called to be the guard of the faith, unity and the discipline of the church, to celebrate and to provide for the administration of the sacraments of the new covenant, to ordain priests and deacons,’’ the primate said.

Ekpenisi described his ordination as a call to service.

“Anglicanism is growing for several reasons. One of them is that many people are looking for a church where they may feel calm, happy, and where the gospel is preached, and apparently the church of Nigeria has that face for many people today, ” he said.

“For me, it is a call to service, to be a minister serving people who serve people. God’s call is always definite and many times when He calls someone He ‘strips’ the person bare.”

Ekpenisi was born on January 26, 1969 at Agbor in Ika south local government area of Delta state.

Until his consecration as bishop, he served as vicar and parish priest of the Anglican Church of the Pentecost, Mabushi, and Diocese of Abuja.

He is a member of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and author of books which include The Girl Child – Pretty, Pure and Precious and Flames of Fresh Fire.

Ekpenisi is married to Evelyn and blessed with three children.