Anglican Church Suspends Priest Over Staged Miracles and Prophecies
In a bold move to uphold religious integrity, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has suspended Reverend Ifunaya Maduka, Vicar of St. Paul’s Parish in Nteje, Anambra State, following allegations of orchestrating fake miracles and prophecies. The suspension, effective immediately, spans six months and includes the forfeiture of his salary.
The disciplinary action was announced in a letter signed by Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, Bishop on the Niger, and dated April 27, 2024. The church accused Maduka of engaging in practices “grossly unbecoming” of an ordained priest, including staging prophetic sessions and miraculous events with individuals allegedly paid to participate.
According to the church, Maduka confessed to these activities when confronted with evidence of his alleged misconduct. The letter stated that the priest’s actions involved “arranged and manipulated prophecies” presented as divine manifestations, deceiving congregants and the broader public.
Rev. Nwokolo expressed profound disappointment, noting that Maduka had previously been regarded as a priest of “sufficient knowledge, good conduct, and sound doctrine.” However, investigations revealed that his assurances of conducting ministry in accordance with Anglican teachings were misleading.
The suspension letter highlighted the severity of Maduka’s actions, emphasizing their potential to undermine the church’s moral and ethical standards. The priest was accused of “abuse of the name of God,” “deception of the faithful,” and conduct amounting to “obtaining money under false pretenses.”
In addition to the suspension, Maduka has been ordered to vacate the church premises within four days and surrender all parish property, records, and funds to the People’s Warden. A disciplinary panel will be convened within a month to further investigate the matter and determine additional actions.
The Anglican Church stressed its commitment to maintaining discipline and order within its ranks, ensuring that clergy members uphold the highest standards of integrity. The suspension serves as a stern reminder that any conduct contradicting Christian doctrine and Anglican discipline will not be tolerated.
This incident has sparked conversations about accountability within religious institutions, particularly in the face of growing skepticism around spiritual practices. The Anglican Communion’s swift response underscores its dedication to preserving the sanctity of its ministry and restoring public trust.
As Reverend Maduka faces this suspension, the church has called for prayers for his repentance and spiritual renewal.
— Reported by Nexio News
