The Diocesan Council of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF), Akure Diocese, has distanced itself from petitions allegedly being circulated by a group identified as “Concerned Youths,” declaring that such communications do not represent the official position of the youth body.
In an official communiqué released by the Council, the leadership said it became aware of the petitions and, after what it described as prayerful consideration, deemed it necessary to clarify its stance in order to preserve truth, unity, and order within the Church.
The Council reaffirmed that it remains the duly recognized body for youth affairs in the Diocese, committed to the doctrine, discipline, and structure of the Church.
While acknowledging the right of individuals to express concerns, it stressed that such expressions must follow established ecclesiastical procedures and uphold Christian values of peace and respect for constituted authority.
According to the statement, the petitions in circulation did not originate from any authorized structure of the Anglican Youth Fellowship and do not reflect the views of the youth body in the Diocese.
It further disclosed that no formal complaint or representation had been received from any archdeaconry, parish, or affiliated youth leadership concerning the issues being raised.
The Council also clarified that there is no recognized group within the Diocese known as “Concerned Youths,” noting that the individuals behind the designation are not known within the Fellowship’s established structures and are not active participants in its programmes.
It added that the persons involved are believed to be above the officially recognized youth age bracket of 40 years within the Church of Nigeria.
The leadership emphasized that it has neither convened nor participated in any meeting relating to disputes with the Diocesan authority, nor has it issued or authorized any communication expressing grievances against the Church leadership.
The AYF Council, therefore, urged members of the Fellowship and the wider Church community to disregard the circulating petitions and rely only on information disseminated through recognized and official channels.
It concluded by reaffirming the commitment of youths in the Diocese to the unity, peace, and mission of the Church, pledging continued loyalty and prayerful support for the constituted authority.
