The Priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ewu-Owa, Ikorodu, Rev. Fr. James Anelu, has been suspended by the Catholic Diocese of Lagos for allegedlly barring his Parishioners from singing Igbo song during Mass celebration.
In a Disclaimer dated February 7, 2022, the Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Adewale Martins, stated “It has been brought to our notice that Rev Fr James Anelu, the Priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ewu-Owa, Ikorodu, made some completely unacceptable comments about Igbo songs being sung in the Church and unsavoury remarks that do not represent the Catholic Church’s position on common brotherhood of peoples of all tribes and religions,”
“For this reason, he has been
asked to proceed on an
indefinite leave of absence to
give an opportunity for a thorough investigation of all the matters relating to his ministry on the parish.
The leave of absence takes effect from Tuesday, February 8, 2021, till further notice.”
“We, therefore, urge all Catholic faithful to hold on to the faith and continue in worship of God as one big family united and not separated by language, culture, or race.”
Fr. Anelu allegedly halted the “spirit filled” choir midway into a song saying Igbo songs would no longer be allowed in the Parish and church members who disagree with him should see him after the Mass, even as he cited examples of some communities where other songs are not allowed in the church.
PRIMACY NEWSBLOG 