By Innocent Osuoha
t is a common saying in the society that often times one is addressed or regarded according to one’s immediate appearance. That is to say that one’s daily dress code speaks volumes of the individual.
Based on this premise, the Bishop, Diocese On The Lake, The Rt. Rev. Chijioke Oti has been speaking on the need for people, especially the clergy, to always dress according to the dictates of their vocation.
He was speaking recently at the Cathedral Church of St Mary Magdalene, Oguta, during a forum, clergy school, the Diocese put in place periodically for updating the knowledge of its Priests.
The Bishop who gave a graphic picture of how a Priest should appear always, especially at official gatherings, commended Priests of the Diocese for their good dressing mode and urged them to sustain the tempo as it is a good image for the Diocese.
Bishop Oti also used the occasion to condemn some Dioceses which allow launching sessions in the churches during burial services. According to him, “it is morally wrong to ask for money in whatever form during burials where the bereaved, in agony, are watching their deceased lying in state.”
The clergy forum also featured a critique of a typical Sunday’s sermon and conduct of service as they should obtain in any Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion just as the Communion is poised to having a uniform pattern of worship for its congregation.
Meanwhile, the maiden Archdeaconry football competition for Anglican youths in the Diocese, sponsored by the Bishop, will be concluded on the 2nd of June, 2015 with a ceremonial match between the church workers of the Diocese and the Ejemekwuru Archdeaconry team at the Ejemekwuru Central School field by 4pm.
A release by the Diocesan Sports Organising Committee says the Bishop will be the Special Guest of Honour while the President Council of Knights of the Diocese, Sir Uche Osoagba will be the Guest of Honour. It invites all to the occasion which will showcase the church workers at their best without the cassock.
