Revival of Idol Worship in Igbo Land: Blame Christians – Bishop Ilechukwu
By Alphonsus Nweze
The Bishop of the Anglican Missionary Congregations (AMC) in the United Kingdom and Europe, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gideon Ilechukwu, has attributed the revival of idol worship in Igbo land to the failure of Christians to live out their faith.
Bishop Ilechukwu made this assertion on Sunday during a sermon at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The occasion was a Thanksgiving Service marking the conclusion of the First Session of the 33rd Synod of the Diocese on the Niger.
Preaching on the Synod’s theme, “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory” (Colossians 1:27), the Bishop lamented that many Christians, by their lifestyles, are indirectly promoting paganism.
“We are the reason idol worship is resurging because of our way of life,” he said. “If people saw the light in us, if our lives truly reflected Christ, they would not return to paganism.”
He warned of the spiritual and societal dangers of idol worship, paganism, and satanism, declaring, “All the demons you’re invoking will lead you nowhere.”
“Just because of minor challenges, you abandoned Christ,” he continued. “If all of us truly preached Christ and lived accordingly, there would be no rush back to idol worship in Igbo land.”
Bishop Ilechukwu also warned that idol gathering only multiplies sorrow. Quoting Psalm 115, he said: “These idols have eyes but cannot see, ears but cannot hear, mouths but cannot speak.” He stressed that introducing idols into Igbo communities contradicts Christian beliefs and would bring grave consequences.
“Do not take idol and shrine worship lightly,” “Don’t support them. Unfortunately, we now applaud what we should reject. You have no business worshipping idols.”he cautioned.
A medical doctor turned missionary, Bishop Ilechukwu emphasized that the Church has a vital role in reversing the drift toward idolatry, especially among youth.
“And the Church is not a building it is you and me,” he reminded. “We must call what is bad, bad, and what is good, good.”he stated.
He reiterated the exclusive claim of Jesus Christ as the only way to God, stating that while there are over 4,000 religious sects in the world, none but Christ proclaims Himself as the only way to God.
“You cannot access God through ancestor worship. It is satanic,” he said. “Jesus is the way, not one of many ways. No other religion delivers truth like Christ.”he added.
He urged listeners to make Jesus central to their lives: “If you want peace and a good life, make Jesus your only way. We are privileged to be living in the dispensation of grace.”
Speaking of the afterlife, the Bishop warned: “There is a departure coming for everyone. Do you ever ask yourself what happens after this life? Don’t be deceived—it’s appointed unto man to die once, and after that comes judgment. You must prepare to meet Christ in eternity. It will either be glory or shame. You may be celebrated here, but eternity may disgrace you.”
He emphasized the urgency of receiving Christ and remaining steadfast in Him: “There is no path to life through paganism or satanism. They lead nowhere.” he stated.
Bishop Ilechukwu expressed regret that many children of church members especially those of wealthy and influential leaders are turning away from the Church and embracing idol worship.
“Jesus brings peace to families,” “Are you building a family for the future—or for disaster? Families that don’t train their children in God’s ways have no hope.”he said.
He urged Christian parents and leaders to live lives worthy of emulation, noting that children are drawn away because they do not see Christ reflected in their parents. “If they saw the light, they would shine for Jesus,” he said.
Addressing the congregation, he added, “You must all—husband, wife, and children—live exemplary lives in Christ. Our time on earth is brief. It is dangerous to gamble with eternity.”
“In all of this, what is your hope for eternity? Nothing compares with eternity. Make peace with God, with your neighbors, and with everyone around you. If you miss eternity, you will have only yourself to blame.” he stated.
The high point of the Thanksgiving Service was the blessing of the Ojoto community by the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo, followed by the cutting of the Synod cake by Bishop Nwokolo, his wife Dr. Mrs. Elsie Nwokolo, and other Church leaders.
