Adapted from a report by Anglican Communion News Service
The Most Rev. Josiah Atkins Idowu-Fearon will become the Anglican Communion’s next Secretary General in July.
Idowu-Fearon serves as Bishop of Kaduna in the Church of Nigeria, and is known for his expertise in Christian-Muslim relations. He was selected out of an initial field of applicants from Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Since 1998 Idowu-Fearon has been Bishop of Kaduna, and he is the director of the Kaduna Anglican Study Centre. Before that he served as Bishop of Sokoto, warden at St. Francis of Assisi Theological College in Wusasa, and provost of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kaduna.
“I warmly welcome the appointment of Bishop Josiah and look forward to working closely with him in the renewal of the Anglican Communion amidst the global challenges facing us today,” said the Archbishop of Canterbury.
“I am excited to take up the post of Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, and to continue the fine work undertaken by my predecessors in this office,” Idowu-Fearon said. “It is a privilege to be so honoured and recognised by the Communion for this leadership position. I look forward to serving the Anglican family with my future colleagues at the Anglican Communion Office and the Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.”
The Rt. Rev. James Tengatenga, chair of Anglican Consultative Council, warmly welcomed the appointment: “I am delighted that Bishop Josiah has accepted the position. He will bring a vital new perspective on the Anglican Communion, its life, and ministry. His experience and expertise in Christian-Muslim relations is particularly welcome at this time.”
Bishop Josiah is married to Comfort and has two children, Ibrahim and Ninma.
