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The Ahiara Diocese case in Nigeria has been a real test for the Church, and the lessons that have emerged are profound. In the midst of this upheaval, Bishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, the new Bishop of the diocese, invites reflection and underlines the importance of mutual listening, both within the family and within the Church. In a statement reported by RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY (RECONA) correspondent based in Nigeria, he said: “If there is a lesson to be learned from this case, it is the importance of listening to each other, as in a family. Father, mother and children may have misunderstandings, but at the end of the day, children must obey their parents.” »

The Diocese of Ahiara was marked by a crisis that shook the local Catholic community, following the appointment of Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke as Bishop in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. This appointment, although legitimate, met with strong opposition from some members of the clergy and the local faithful. For almost five years, Bishop Okpaleke was unable to exercise his functions because of this categorical refusal.

This conflict situation, unprecedented in the region, attracted the attention of Pope Francis. In June 2017, during a private meeting with a delegation from the Diocese of Ahiara, the Holy Father expressed his sorrow at this division and called for immediate action to restore peace and unity. He asked all priests incardinated in the diocese to write a letter in which they were to ask for forgiveness and express their total obedience to the authority of the Pope as well as to the bishop-designate. This requirement had to be met within 30 days, under penalty of canonical suspension.

Following this appeal from the Pope, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples informed that the Holy Father had received about 200 letters from priests of the diocese. In these letters, the signatories expressed their obedience while sometimes expressing their psychological difficulty in collaborating with Bishop Okpaleke after so many years of tensions. Sensitive to their repentance, Pope Francis chose not to impose canonical sanctions, but insisted on the serious damage caused to the Church of Christ by these acts of opposition. He hoped that such a schism would not recur in the future.

Shortly thereafter, Bishop Okpaleke submitted his resignation, which was accepted by Pope Francis, thus opening a new era for the diocese. Pending a new appointment, the Holy See has designated Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as Apostolic Administrator.

On 3 May 2024, a decisive step was taken with the appointment of Archbishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi as the new Bishop of Ahiara. Already appointed Auxiliary Bishop in 2023, Bishop Nwobi took office to a warm welcome from the faithful. In his first statements, he expressed his gratitude and optimism about the future of the diocese: “My appointment has been greeted with joy and I have been overwhelmingly accepted by the faithful. I can see this by visiting the parishes wherever I have been; the faithful show me their solidarity. Even the inhabitants of Ahiara living in the diaspora have expressed their support to help me best accomplish the task entrusted to me by the Holy Father.” »

This general acceptance of Bishop Nwobi marks a turning point in the spiritual life of the diocese. The support of the faithful, not only at the local level but also beyond the Nigerian borders, testifies to the ongoing reconciliation and the collective will to turn the page on a tumultuous period. The presence of the Bishop in the different parishes is a strong symbol of reconciliation, rebirth and the coming together of the Catholic community.

The history of the Diocese of Ahiara is a lesson in perseverance and faith, but above all, it underlines the importance of unity and obedience in the Church. As in a family, there may be disagreements and misunderstandings, but reconciliation is always possible through mutual listening, dialogue and respect for legitimate authorities.

In conclusion, Bishop Simeon Okezuo Nwobi remains confident about the future of his diocese. He states with conviction: “The future of the Diocese of Ahiara is bright; the Church is alive.” “This message of hope and renewal is a poignant reminder of the power of forgiveness and unity, values ​​central to Christian life. The Diocese of Ahiara, after years of internal divisions, is now looking to a new era, driven by a renewed faith and a common vision for the future.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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