Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Mbang dies at 86

The Methodist Church Nigeria has announced the passing on of the Prelate Emeritus, His Eminence Dr Sunday Coffie Mbang at the age of 86 years.

A letter signed by the Conference Secretary of Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Revd Babatunde Taiwo to all Arch Bishops/Trustees and Lay President of Methodist Church Nigeria stated that Dr Mbang died yesterday after an impactful earthly ministry of 44 years.

According to Dr Taiwo, Prelate Emeritus Mbang was enrolled at Trinity College Umuahia in 1962.

Mbang, who was described as the longest-serving Head of the Methodist Church, in Nigeria was until his demise the Emeritus President of the World Methodist Council, Trustee of Methodist Church Nigeria and Nigeria Inter-Religious Council.

First Patriarch Champlain and Bishop of Tinubu, the only person to be both Patriarch and Prelate. First Black President of the World Methodist Council who will be sorely missed by the Church and his associates. Dr Taiwo stated.

He added that details on the burial will be announced later.

Prelate Emeritus Mbang was among the founders of Fathers of Faith, who prayed and endorsed Governor Udom Emmanuel’s successor, Pastor Umo Eno, now Akwa Ibom state governor-elect.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has sent his heartfelt message of condolence to the family of the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Late Dr. Sunday Mbang, CON, the Methodist Church of Nigeria, and indeed the larger Christian community on the sad passing of the eminent Nigerian cleric, at the age of 86 years.

In a statement released on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary/Special Assistant, Media, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Emmanuel, said the passing of the renowned Father in Faith is “deeply painful, but we thank God for the life of impact you lived.

“You were a towering figure in the Nigerian Christian community, who, as the Patriarch/Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, for twenty-two uninterrupted years, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the first Nigerian ever to head the World Methodist Council (WMC), brought honour to Nigeria and in the process won souls for Christ.

“One of your most endearing attributes was that you spoke truth to power, and was a champion for good governance, equity and justice.

“As the Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, you advocated a peaceful co-existence and tolerance of our religious diversity.

“I thank you most profoundly for the support and prayers you extended to me since I came into public service, and most especially, the last almost eight years as the Governor of this state.

“You have been the Leader of our Fathers in Faith, and a tireless and passionate believer in the Akwa Ibom Exceptionalism, Godliness and moral rectitude.

“Nigeria will miss you; the Christian community will miss you, and our dear people will miss you deeply.

“May your soul rest in peace”, the statement.