Retired Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi Recalled to Lead Chad Anglican Mission.

Former Archbishop of Jos, the Most Rev. Benjamin Argak Kwashi, has been recalled from retirement and appointed to lead the Anglican Church’s missionary work in Chad, marking a new chapter in his decades-long ministry.

Kwashi, who voluntarily retired as Archbishop of Jos and Bishop of the Diocese of Jos on September 30, 2023, after 31 years of episcopal service. He had stepped down two years before the mandatory retirement age of 70 prescribed by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

The renowned cleric was formally enthroned on May 6 as Bishop of Chad by the Primate and the Most Rev. Dr. Samy Fawzy Shehata, Archbishop of Alexandria and Bishop of Egypt. In his new role, Kwashi will serve alongside the Right Rev. Ashley Null, Bishop of North Africa in the Province of Alexandria.

Before his appointment, Archbishop Kwashi had already been actively involved in missionary activities in Chad and has made several visits to support the fledgling Anglican presence in the Central African nation.

Reflecting on the history of the church’s mission in Chad, Kwashi paid tribute to the late Archbishop Emmanuel Kana Mani (E. K. Mani), whom he described as the pioneer who brought the Anglican Church in Chad into prominence about fifteen years ago.

According to Kwashi, Archbishop Mani encountered a congregation established by Nigerians living in Chad and personally visited the country to baptize converts and confirm believers. Inspired by the need to establish indigenous congregations, Mani commissioned evangelists to continue the work before his death.

The mission, however, faced significant setbacks due to insecurity, displacement of people, and other challenges that led to losses among workers and converts.

Kwashi noted that the late Archbishop Joseph Akinfenwa later strengthened the mission by training two indigenous Chadian men in Ibadan, Nigeria, before ordaining them for ministry. Subsequently, the Church of Nigeria transferred responsibility for Chad to the Province of Alexandria, placing it under the Diocese of North Africa.

Describing the current state of the church in Chad, Kwashi revealed that the mission remains in its pioneering stage with enormous challenges. He disclosed that Chad currently has no cathedral, vicarage, church-owned land, schools, clinics, bishop’s residence, or theological graduate among its clergy.

He added that the church has only nine workers, including four priests, serving the entire nation.

Despite the limitations, Kwashi said efforts have begun to strengthen accountability and church administration through the establishment of a central account, while liturgical materials, Bible study resources, and other publications have been translated into French to support ministry growth.

“To serve in Chad is to pioneer a ministry and mission sacrificially. This includes possible insecurities and uncertainties,” Kwashi stated.He called on Christians worldwide to pray for the nation and the growth of the Anglican mission there.

His appointment is being viewed as a strategic move to strengthen the Anglican presence in Chad and advance evangelism in a country where the church continues to face significant infrastructural and missionary challenges.