By Lawrence Nwimo
The Anglican Bishop, Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen C. Nwokolo, has pledged to partner journalists in Anambra state for the advancement of truth and propagation of Gospel.
Bishop Nwokolo made the pledge when he received Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra state council executive led by the state Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD in Onitsha on Tuesday.
He said journalism is a veritable tool for development and advancement of knowledge and partnership with the media would yield dissemination of truth and proper evangelism in the society.
According to Bishop Nwokolo, " We are in love with the press and the media is part of our team. The Church will give their support to make the media work successful. Without the media, development of evangelism would be difficult.
"We are proud of NUJ because this is a group that renders selfless service in the society. They fight injustice, ensure fair play and help people get truth. There is nothing that can surpress truth and once truth is told, lies fly away.
The Anglican Prelate however encouraged journalists to present the Church in proper perspective by reporting correctly and seeking balance for their reports. He also enjoined them to help in the fight against principalities that seek the destruction of house of God.
"There are so many enemies that fight the church: principalities and powers as well as human beings who want to tarnish the image of the Church. The media should help us fight things like these by not taking sides and protecting the image of the Church.
"Church is here to serve human beings for development and salvation. When you are enlightened, you give back to those who helped you. Let us make sure that we help and protect the image of the Church," he said.
Bishop Nwokolo congratulated the new NUJ executive in the state led by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PhD and called for restoration of ethics as well as professionalism to ensure that the society is well covered without rancour and acrimony.
He further described as disturbing, the leadership failure in the country and stated that politicians must wake up to live by their election vows to the society.
In a remark, Anambra NUJ council Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, PhD, reassured that NUJ is ready to support the diocese in the spread of Gospel in the state.
Dr Odogwu described the diocese as the root of evangelism owing to its numerous evangelistic activities and maintained that NUJ has renewed vigour to champion balanced reportage among it's membership, pledging to support the programmes of the Church in the state with publicity.
In a vote of thanks, NUJ Vice-Chairman, Comrade Ngozi Obileri said the Union would work tirelessly with the diocese for progress, propagation of the Gospel and advancement of truth in the society.