By: George Conger.<\/p>\n
\u201cSigns and wonders\u201d\u009d should become the mark of the Anglican Church in Africa, the Archbishop of Lagos, Dr Ephraim Ademowo said last month at service marking the collation of two archdeacons.<\/p>\n
He urged a \u201creturn to apostolic tradition practiced in the early church characterized by miracles, signs and wonders;\u201d\u009d saying it should become \u201cthe new direction of the Anglican Church today.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
The Anglican Communion\u2019s largest church with an estimated 18,000,000 active members, the Church of Nigeria has been challenged by the equally fast-growing Pentecostal churches of West Africa. In recent decades it has taken on board many of the elements of the charismatic renewal movement as well embarking on a programme of African enculturation, drawing upon African resources for liturgical renewal.<\/p>\n
One of the pillars of the Gafcon movement for the reform and renewal of the Anglican Communion, the Church of Nigeria\u2019s cultivation of charismatic gifts, critics charge, will lead to splits with Gafcon\u2019s Anglo-Catholic and conservative evangelical wings.<\/p>\n