Members of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Nkpogu, in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State, yesterday got an unusual Christmas gift, as Archbishop of Niger Delta, Bishop Kattey, was angry with them for preventing the priest in charge of the parish from conducting service twice.
Bishop Kattey’s anger came as members of the church walked out on the Rector in-charge of the church, Venerable Chimela Samuel.
Members of the church had called for the removal of the priest, accusing him of high handedness, arrogance and introduction of doctrines not practised by the church. They also alleged that Bishop Ignatius had pronounced a curse on the protesting members.
On arrival at the church at about 9am, service was going on. It was gathered that the members had, since 7am, commenced service without Venerable Samuel officiating, but when he arrived the worshipper staged a walk out.
One of the elders, who pleaded anonymity, told our reporter that the priest and his pastoral team came in to officiate, but the entire congregation walked out, leaving them alone.
He stated: “When he came in with his pastoral team, he asked for the microphone. It was given to him. As they were preparing the table, we shared the grace and everybody left. When they stayed and nobody came in, they left. They stayed for about 30 minutes outside before leaving.”
It was gathered that shortly after their departure, Archbishop Kattey arrived, accompanied by his wife, Beatrice, and the Chancellor, Barr. Ikoku.
According to the source, Kattey was angry and told the aggrieved congregation that they should have waited for the outcome of the panel set up to investigate the crisis.
A source revealed that with members not showing remorse, the angry archbishop. walked out.
Youths of the church last Sunday locked the church’s gate, denying Venerable Samuel access. They accused the priest of high-handedness and refusal to allow the church missionaries from using the church bus.
Source: CKN
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