And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead
who from now on die in the Lord.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest
from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”
– Revelation 14:13 NRSV
The National Council of Churches joins with the Church of the Brethren in grieving the death of Rev. Lawan Andimi, executed by Boko Haram, a terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria. Andimi was an ordained minister in Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), a district leader of the Church of the Brethren, and a leader of the ecumenical movement in his region.
Andimi was executed along with a Nigerian soldier after a Jan. 2 attack by Boko Haram. His story gained notoriety after a hostage video was released in which he professed his Christian faith. His execution is only one of many in the past months.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where Andimi served as chair for the Michika area, has called on all Christians to fast and pray for three days this week for Nigeria. NCC also asks member communions to stand with CAN and join them in lifting up this nation, which has been beleaguered by so much violence, in prayer.
“We have stood by our sisters and brothers in the Church of the Brethren over the past years as they have endured unspeakable persecution and loss,” said Jim Winkler, President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. “We continue to pray for the safety of those who follow the way of peace that is at the core of this beloved Church and the Christian faith.”
The Church of the Brethren, a historic peace church, is one of the 38 member communions that comprise the National Council of Churches.
See also:
Nigerian Brethren district leader and ecumenical leader Lawan Andimi has been executed by Boko Haram
NCC joins call for the release of 234 kidnapped Nigerian school girls
Missions and Peacemaking in Nigeria and at home: Jay Wittmeyer (podcast)
When Following Jesus Meets Boko Haram (podcast)