N. African Bishop to Direct Anglican Centre in Rome
Nigerian bishop to lead Anglican Centre in Rome
The Archbishop of Canterbury has appointed the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Nigeria, the Most Rev. Ali Buba Lamido as the next director of the Anglican Centre in Rome (ACR).
Lamido will succeed Archbishop Ian Ernest, who has been the director of the ACR since 2016. As director, Lamido will be responsible for the Anglican Communion's relationship with the Roman Catholic Church. He will also represent the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Vatican.
Lamido is the second African to lead the Anglican Centre in Rome.
The first was Bishop John Sentamu, who served as director from 2005 to 2013. Lamido is a respected theologian and ecumenist. He has served as a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) since 2016.
Lamido's appointment is a sign of the growing importance of the Anglican Communion in Africa.
Africa is now home to the majority of Anglicans worldwide. Lamido's appointment is a recognition of the significant contribution that African Anglicans are making to the life of the Anglican Communion.
Lamido is a strong advocate for Christian unity.
He has said that he believes that the Anglican Centre in Rome can play a key role in promoting dialogue and understanding between Anglicans and Roman Catholics.
Lamido's appointment has been welcomed by both Anglicans and Roman Catholics.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said that Lamido is "a gifted theologian and ecumenist" who will "build on the strong foundations laid by Archbishop Ian Ernest."
The President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal Kurt Koch, said that Lamido's appointment is "a sign of the growing closeness between the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church."
