Prelate Cautions Churches Against Indiscriminate Award Of Honours

Prelate Cautions Churches Against Indiscriminate Award Of Honours
By Anolu Vincent, Owerri
Archbishop and Bishop of Orlu Diocese (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. Dr. Benneth C.I. Okoro, has cautioned against rampant and indiscriminate honour being accorded some people believed to be rich and wealthy by both some churches and the larger society.
He argued that all manner of titles, award of certificates of excellence and sundry recognitions should be bestowed on individuals with proven substance, prestige and credibility and should not be an all comers affair.
The Prelate stated this at a Special Church Service marking the 31st anniversary of the diocese and investiture of Ezinna title on deserving fathers of the diocese held at the SS Peter and John the Divine Cathedral, Nkwerre, Imo State.
He said that the Church as a sacred institution established by God is irrevocably committed to win souls for Christ through sustained evangelism, stressing that it was against  this background that parents/guardians should place a tab on the activities of their children and wards at all times.
He explained that those selected by the church for the investiture of Ezinna title were those found to have demonstrated exemplary conduct as family heads and who had continued to contribute immensely for the growth of the church.
The Prelate while congratulatory them on their well deserved award enjoined them to sustain those qualities which earned them the award.
In his sermon on the occasion, a renowned Evangelist, Peter Okechukwu Nwachuku, urged Christians to always use their resources to serve God and humanity.
“Whatever project you do here can be named after you if you so desire,” he said.
The preacher who denounced self-centredness and unbridled guest for materialism by some people lamented that funds meant for capital projects in the country had been slandered by unscrupulous politicians.
Nwachukwu who is a retired deputy contract manager with Julius Berger insisted that those who go to church only on Easter and Christmas, drink and womanize cannot make heaven.
According to him speaking in tongues in times of trouble is a heavenly empowerment, even as he enjoined Christians to always be prepared to be washed with the blood of Jesus and to be clothed with the garment of God for their spiritual salvation.