Rev. Fr. James Anelu, the Priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ewu-Owa, Ikorodu, made some completely unacceptable comment about Igbo songs being sung in the Church and unsavoury remarks that do not represent the Catholic Church’s position on common brotherhood of Peoples of all Tribes and religion.
For this reason, he has been asked to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence, to give an opportunity for a thorough investigation of all matters relating to his ministry in the parish. The leave of absence takes effect from Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 till further notice.
We therefore urge all Catholic faithful to hold on to the faith and continue in our worship of God as one big family united in love and not supported by language, culture or race.
However, there were lots of reactions to this post made by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, as some argued for the posting such letter in the media, others argued against it.
Reactions:
A commenter, Dennis Esogbu requested to know what actually transpired in the Church, Agnes Chinwe Nwosu replied: “Igbo Song Banned in Church. The Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ewu-Owa Gberigbe in Ikorodu, Rev. Fr. James Anelu has banned Igbo songs and choruses in his Church.
The Priest who angrily stopped a soul lifting chorus during the second collection said the Igbos cannot keep dominating other people even in his Church. He sighted the case of his Benin Diocese where Igbos dominate to the point of becoming the Bishop in person of Akubueze.
Rev. Fr. James Anelu said that the spirit of God in any place recognises only languages indigenous to that geographical location.
On saying this, the entire congregation went up in tumultuous uproar, murmuring ‘He should also ban the offering and contributions of igbo people.”
This man is not worthy of nearing the Altar of God not to even think he is a priest. Bigots every where as people massively walked out of the Mass.”
Priscilla Nazor also commented “Nawa, so this small misunderstanding that happened yesterday at church don reach to bishop already. fr James did not mean any harm but majority misunderstood him because he is trying to correct many wrongs in that our church, l was inside church when he caution the boy that was singing.
Fr James is fearless and he is a no nonsense man, His Grace, our Holy Trinity Church Ewu-Owa needs sanctification. My Lord Bishop remember you brought Fr. Alabi, they removed him for Fr. James. If you remove him be ready to bring a priest who cannot challenge any wrong.”
Some commenters see the need to pray for Rev. Fr. James Anelu, while some took their time to pray for his change of heart.
Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos
