The National Council of Churches joins with the Church of the Brethren in grieving the death of Rev. Lawan Andimi, executed by Boko Haram, a terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria. Andimi was an ordained minister in Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), a district leader of the Church of the Brethren, and a leader of the ecumenical movement in his region.
Andimi was executed along with a Nigerian soldier after a Jan. 2 attack by Boko Haram. His story gained notoriety after a hostage video was released in which he professed his Christian faith. His execution is only one of many in the past months.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where Andimi served as chair for the Michika area, has called on all Christians to fast and pray for three days this week for Nigeria. NCC also asks member communions to stand with CAN and join them in lifting up this nation, which has been beleaguered by so much violence, in prayer.
“We have stood by our sisters and brothers in the Church of the Brethren over the past years as they have endured unspeakable persecution and loss,” said Jim Winkler, President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches. “We continue to pray for the safety of those who follow the way of peace that is at the core of this beloved Church and the Christian faith.”