The Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria

History

The SUMD first sent missionaries to Africa in 1913 with the pioneers being Niels Brønnum, his wife Margaret C. Young, and Dagmar Rose. Brønnum's wife died shortly after arriving and Rose brought back the Brønnum's infant son to Europe. Brønnum continued his work and established a mission in Numan.

The mission eventually expanded and in 1948, the first five indigenous Nigerian pastors were ordained. By 1955, it was known as the Lutheran Church of Christ in the Sudan and in 1956 became independent as the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria with Pilgaard Pedersen as its first President (Hausa: Ekkilisiyan Kristi a Nijeriya Lutheran). In 1960, Akila Todi was elected the first indigenous Nigerian president of the Church. He was made bishop in 1973 when the church adopted a modified episcopal polity.

Structure

The LCCN is led by an archbishop and is further divided into eight dioceses, each led by a bishop, together with a mission in Taraba State. The seat of the LCCN is in Numan. The current archbishop is The Most Rev. Nemuel A. Babba.

Dioceses of the LCCN

Abuja Diocese

Bishop: Rt Rev Benjamin Fuduta Congregations in the city of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Gombe State, Plateau State, Bauchi State, Niger State, Oyo State, Lagos State and Edo State

Arewa Diocese

Bishop: Rt Rev Amos B. Elisha Congregations in northern Adamawa State

Bonotem Diocese

Bishop: Rt Rev Jediel Nyenbenso Congregations in southern Adamawa State

Gongola Diocese

Bishop: Rt Rev Dr Peter Bartimawus Congregations in northwestern Adamawa State

Mayo-Belwa Diocese

Bishop: Rt Rev Dr. Musa Panti Filibus Congregations in southern Adamawa State

ShallHolma Diocese

Bishop: Rt Rev Dimga Jones Kadabiyu Congregations in northeastern Adamawa State

Todi Diocese

Bishop: Rt Rev Clement Dogo Congregations in north-central Adamawa State

Yola Diocese

Bishop: Rt Rev Amos Yakubu Congregations in central Adamawa State

Presidents and archbishops of the LCCN

When the LCCN was established in 1956, the title of the head of the Church was President. The title was changed to Bishop in 1973 and with the establishment of diocesan bishops within the LCCN, to Archbishop in 1997.

1956-1960

Rev Pilgaard Pedersen

1960-1987

Rev Akila Todi Title changed to Bishop in 1973

1987-2002

Rev David Windibiziri Title changed to Archbishop in 1997

2002–present

Rev Nemuel A. Babba

Affiliations

The LCCN participates actively in ecumenical work through its affiliation with:

Lutheran World Federation

Lutheran Communion in Western Africa

Christian Association of Nigeria

Christian Council of Nigeria

Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Nigeria

Joint Christian Ministry in West Africa

The LCCN also works in partnership with:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minneapolis Synod

Global Health Ministries

Mission Afrika