The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has indefinitely suspended the operation of Adoration Ministry officiated by Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka in Emene, Enugu, days after his controversial remark against Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, went viral.
In a pastoral injunction issued by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Callistus Onaga, on Friday, the Bishop noted in a letter that Mbaka has continued to violate all laid down tenets of Catholicism even after several corrections.
The letter, which banned the clergy from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese are concluded reads: “In the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu: capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry.
“And after having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated; and in fulfilment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded.
“My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr Camillus Ejike Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church.
“I enjoin all the Christian Faithful to keep praying for Fr. Mbaka and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu as I entrust him and the Diocese to the maternal carç thee and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles”
