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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Oke elevated to archbishop after 27 years of episcopal service

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Bishop Francis Olubowale Oke has been elevated to archbishop by the Calvary Grace International College of Bishops after more than 27 years of episcopal service.
  • Oke, who leads Sword of the Spirit Ministries and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, said he accepted the elevation as a call to greater responsibility.
  • The College cited his mentorship, leadership and role in developing bishops in Nigeria and elsewhere.

Bishop Francis Olubowale Oke has accepted elevation to archbishop after more than 27 years of episcopal service, saying the new office represents a greater responsibility to advance Christianity globally.

The Calvary Grace International College of Bishops conferred the elevation during the annual Holy Ghost Convention of Sword of the Spirit Ministries in Ibadan, Oyo State. Oke serves as the ministry’s president and is also national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria. Members of the College of Bishops and other Christian leaders attended the ceremony.

I accept the elevation with all my heart. Since it seems good to you and to the Holy Spirit, it seems good to me also. I concur with you.

· Francis Olubowale OkeOke accepted the archbishop title during the convention ceremony.

Oke said he had repeatedly declined opportunities to become an archbishop since his consecration as a bishop in 1999, choosing instead to focus on evangelism and preaching. He said he accepted this time because he believed it reflected God’s will and the collective decision of the College. “I accept the elevation with all my heart. Since it seems good to you and to the Holy Spirit, it seems good to me also. I concur with you,” he said.

a father of fathers, pastor of pastors and bishop of bishops

· Julius AbiolaAbiola praised Oke’s record of mentoring and developing episcopal leaders.

Bishop Felix Adejumo proclaimed the elevation after Bishop Julius Abiola presented the statement of purpose. Abiola described Oke as “a father of fathers, pastor of pastors and bishop of bishops,” and said his ministry had produced and strengthened other episcopal leaders.

The College said Oke had shown longevity, stability, maturity and faithfulness since his 1999 consecration. It credited him with helping consecrate and establish bishops in different parts of the world, while providing spiritual oversight and guidance to more than 50 bishops associated with the College. It charged him with encouraging bishops, defending the Christian faith, promoting unity and raising future church leaders. Oke also said prospective bishops undergo thorough examination before admission, adding, “The door is still open to anyone who is interested, but the standard remains the same.”

The door is still open to anyone who is interested, but the standard remains the same.

· Francis Olubowale OkeOke discussed the admission standards for prospective bishops.
About this summary

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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