AN oath is a solemn vow; a declaration made in good faith (especially in the Anglican Church) for men going into the Holy Orders. It is put in place as a check, and to enable those who make themselves available for the work of ministry to be cautious. Six oaths are sworn, either by the Episcopus elect, or a Priest or Deacon wishing to perform clerical functions.The first is the declaration of belief; an affirmation on the authority of the Holy Scriptures and the use of approved forms of service allowed by the Church's Canon. In this time of revisionist agenda, the Anglican Church insists that those who offer themselves publicly affirm their belief, both in the Holy Scriptures and forms of service used. Intrusions are not allowed, and so those who lead have to fall in line with what the Church inherited from the apostles.The second has to do with submission to Synod. Be it General or Diocesan Synod, they are convocations governed by rules. These rules are made from time to time to govern the Church. The Anglican Church is not a personal entity, owned and run by few individuals; it is 'episcopally' led and 'synodically' governed. This helps to ensure that people obey rules and regulations made by a given Synod.The third borders on oath of canonical obedience. This calls for total obedience in all matters for persons in Holy Orders. It requires total obedience. Men in Holy Orders are not expected to violate this oath. There may be pockets of violations here and there, but this keeps the ordained in check, to avoid excesses.The fourth is the oath of submission. It is expected that if there are infractions in ones duty, one is immediately to submit to any sentence depriving him of rights and emoluments pertaining to a said office whether Bishop, Priest or Deacon. This sentence allows for due examination of issues before a sentence is passed. I think this agrees with the cardinal principle of fair hearing in law. Those who offer themselves must not become nuisances. When they err, they are tried and sentenced. And they must humbly submit to punishment.The fifth has to do with allegiance to God. As the Bible puts it: 'no one can serve two masters at the same time' (Matt 6v24). The ordained publicly affirm that they are not members of any known secret cult, and if they lie, the wrath of God should fall upon them. Expectedly, those who were members before coming into the Holy Order, at this point, are given opportunity to renounce and be forgiven. (Ezek. 18v32) The Church uses this public confession of allegiance to ensure that those in good standing are allowed into the clerical office, and at the same time, purge those who could contaminated the communion by their previous and unconverted background.The sixth is the declaration that one is not homosexual, bisexual or lesbian. These are negations and are contrary to scriptural teaching. Those who indulge therein are sick and need to be helped. Therefore, in the Anglican Church, this oath is taken to avoid such great evil and ungodly act from spreading and staining the ministry.WITH joy, last Sunday, at Holy Trinity Church, Ibaa in Ikwerre Diocese, four persons were called into the Holy Orders of Priesthood. These men of God went through these six oaths. An elated Bishop of the Diocese, Rt Rev. Blessing Enyindah, called upon God fervently to help the newly ordained to be true to their calling.In the same vein, today, to the glory of God, at St Bartholomew's Cathedral, Diocese of Kubwa, the Primate, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh at a solemn service of consecration, would lead his brother Bishops to consecrate the new Bishop of Ifo Diocese. Expectedly, the new Bishop will undertake the six oaths to ensure that the ordained ministry in Church of Nigeria remains faithful to its vows.We call upon God to continue to bless men who sincerely keep their vows as they do ministerial work.Ven. Ernest Onuoha, Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, www.ibrucentre.org
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