Posted by From Chuka Odittah in Abuja on
Head of the Anglican Communion in Africa, Primate Peter Akinola has made periodic medical examination a mandatory exercise for all Anglican clergies.
Head of the Anglican Communion in Africa, Primate Peter Akinola has made periodic medical examination a mandatory exercise for all Anglican clergies.
Dr Christian Ebesike, Director of Social Welfare of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) stated this in Abuja during a forum for religious, traditional leaders and the media on immunisation and child survival in Nigeria.
Ebisike disclosed that henceforth it had become mandatory for all practicing Anglican priests to undergo complete medical examination at least once every two months. The cost of such exercises he said were picked by the church or public minded persons who were relevant to such programmes.
Ebisike explained that Primate Akinola's decision was to forestall cases of sudden death often recorded among clergies while in active service.
According to him, the new rule was a way of proffering a holistic approach to the physical and spiritual needs of the priests, adding that in christianity, one could not exist in isolation.
He said the nature of examinations specified included HIV tests, blood pressure, diabetes tests and any other that may be necessary.
Ebesike said such support service was aimed at providing the priests with an enabling support to perform their duties without distractions.
He also stated that the Anglican church is currently in the forefront of Compassionate evangelism, which he said entails the distribution of food items, clothes and financial assistance to needy members whenever necessary.