Gongden, others elected as Episcopal Bishops and Archbishops of dioceses

The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, has elected Ven. Dr. Ephraim Gongden, of the University of Jos as the Bishop of Jos Anglican Diocese, to take over from retired Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi, the immediate past Bishop of Jos.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Senior Deputy Registrar (Information and Publications), Abdullahi Abdullahi, and made available to THE NIGERIA STANDARD in Jos, the Plateau State capital, shortly after the Episcopal Synod held at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama, Abuja Diocese Friday.

The statement states, “Ven. Dr. Ephraim Gongden, has, among others, elected as the Bishop of Jos, Anglican Diocese. He takes over from Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi, who retired after many years of meritorious service to the Church and the Nation.

“Ven. Dr. Ephraim Gongden is a Reader in the Department of Science and Technology Education, Faculty of Education, University of Jos. The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion at the Synod elected him as Bishop for the internal provinces at the end of a Holy Eucharistic Service”, it highlighted.

However, at the end of the House of Bishops’ Synod, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, announced the list of seven Clergymen elected to fill the vacant Episcopal Sees in Seven Dioceses among whom, was Ven. Dr. Ephraim Gongden of the Jos Diocese.

The Primate also disclosed that, the Consecration of the Bishops-elect and the presentation of Archbishops-elect would be on Wednesday September 18, 2024 at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church and would be hosted by Nike Diocese in Enugu State.

While congratulating the Bishop-Elect of the Anglican Diocese of Jos, Ven. Dr. Ephraim Gongden, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, commended him for his distinguished service in the Lord’s vineyard and his unwavering commitment to the University of Jos, describing him as an inspiration to many.

He expressed confidence that Ven. Dr. Gongden would bring the same level of dedication and leadership to his new role saying, “on behalf of the University of Jos community, I wish the Bishop-elect the very best in your new endeavour and pray for your continues success in serving the faithful.