Open Air Service of Unical Chapel of Redemption Held Despite Closure Of Church

By Lawrence Mpama

An open-air service of the Unical Chapel of Redemption Church was held yesterday, Sunday, August 16, at the premises of the University of Calabar. Despite the early morning showers, congregants trooped in to worship God.
Although the church doors were closed last Sunday by security officers, amid what the church described as hostile behaviour by agents of the University of Calabar management, this did not deter the brethren from gathering in the open air. The service was brief but was held in a spirit-filled atmosphere as the congregation worshipped the Most High God.

The Unical Chapel of Redemption Church, located on the campus of the University of Calabar, has, in the last few months, been at the centre of a dispute involving the church and the university management. According to members of the church, agents of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, suspended the Chairman of the Church Council without due process, dissolved the legitimate council of the church, and imposed a caretaker committee, which the church maintains is contrary to the extant laws enshrined in the church constitution.

The Vice Chancellor also reportedly appointed an interim Chaplain, Rev. Israel Eyo, after the legitimate Chaplain of the church, Rev. Dr. Joseph L. Ushie, was forcefully evicted from his official residence.
Yesterday, being a day of worship, the congregants gathered in the open air to conduct their service and worship the Almighty God. The moderator of the service was Sister Offiong Akak, while prayers were led by Brother Offor.
The Redemption Bells and Praise Band led the congregation in songs and melodies to the glory of God Almighty. The atmosphere was charged as the worship lifted the souls and spirits of the brethren, after which an exhortation followed.

Prayers and supplications were offered to God Almighty, asking Him to take control of His church and the family of God’s people.
Though it was a brief service, it nevertheless brought to the fore the times in which we are living as children of God, reminding the congregation that perilous times are here with us.
A total of 106 worshippers were in attendance.