Yanju Uwala
Bishop of Ilesa Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Prof Dapo Asaju has noted that theologians are trained to be change agents.He also called on those with theological training to deploy their knowledge for the good of society. Asaju made the submission as a guest lecturer at the 34th convocation of The Apostolic Church Seminary, Ilesa on Thursday, November 23.
A total number of 196 students comprising those of the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 Academic Session were conferred with Diploma, Bachelor, and Post-graduate Diploma of the Institution.
In his address, Bishop Prof. Asaju, who spoke on the Theme, “Theological Education and The Building Of An Egalitarian Society” urged the graduating students to carry on the fight for a just society after leaving the seminary.
He emphasised the need for them to apply their wealth of knowledge in theology to make the country a better place.
While noting that theological education is not just mere physical training but spiritual training, he said, “God, today deliberately appointed you as His own oracles to diffuse the sacred wisdom and knowledge of Theology into the confused and corrupt world, which we sail in today.
“As a theologian, you are a personification of authority and knowledge as you deliver unadulterated words of wisdom to technocrats and world leaders”.
Change the political system
Asaju also called on the graduating students to work towards changing the political system of the society.
He said, “Historically, the Church was pivotal in effecting positive change in societies where Christianity was allowed to influence their social, political, and economic lives.
“Globally, Christian leaders have always been epitomized as embodiments of excellence and exploits in good ramifications;
“Whatever happens in one corner of the Church negatively reflects and affects the wider surfaces of the Church”, He added.
. The Anglican Bishop also enjoined the graduating students to work assiduously towards depopulating the kingdom of darkness and continuously make a positive impact on the world.
He expressed concerns about “too many pseudo-Christians and ministers today, who came to the Seminary not because they were called, but, because, they desperately seek free meal tickets.”
He urged the graduates to be silent theologians while also calling them to be revolutionary change agents of Christ and beacons of hope for the restoration of Nigeria.
The Convocation Ceremony was held at Pastor Gabriel Oladele Olutola International Conference Centre of the Institution
At the event, 19 prizes in various fields were presented to outstanding graduates of the Institute. The awards were in honour of Past Heroes of Faith, Seminary Awards for All Graduating Student Officers (2022 & 2023), and the Academic Prizes awards.
1 comment