A Service of Celebration and Induction
On Saturday 7th September, the congregation of the Anglican Igbo Church of the Holy Trinity, London, welcomed the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah, for a landmark service. During a joyful Eucharist, the Bishop inducted women into the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, following their completion of a six-month discipleship programme.
The service was heaving with people, vibrant in worship, and alive with song and praise. There was a tangible sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence and the deep assurance that Jesus was there among His people. It was a moment that drew together generations, cultures, and voices into a single act of thanksgiving and dedication. And, of course, in true Igbo fashion, there was a little humour along the way: while discipleship was on full display, someone was quick to remind us that Jollof rice was not the mission in action here!
This moment is part of a continuing story of episcopal support and encouragement. In 2023, the Bishop of Stepney, the Rt Revd Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell, preached and commissioned new members; in 2022, the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, did the same; and in 2021, the then Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Revd Rob Wickham, likewise affirmed women in their discipleship. This pattern of support stretches back to the very inception of the Anglican Igbo Church of the Holy Trinity in the Diocese of London 15 years ago. Each year, women have been equipped, encouraged, and affirmed in their calling as disciples of Christ.
Unity in Christ
The Diocese of London is home to a rich tapestry of ministries and communities that embody the vision of a church that is Christ-centred and outward-looking, growing younger and more diverse. Across our parishes, chaplaincies, and mission initiatives, the story of God’s transforming love continues to unfold in ways that are both deeply local and globally connected.
The flourishing of the Anglican Igbo Church of the Holy Trinity offers a striking contrast to the common secular perception that the Church of England is in decline and disintegration. Here is a living witness to the unity of the Body of Christ, where cultural distinctiveness enriches the wider Church rather than divides it. In worship, discipleship, and fellowship, the congregation testifies that the Gospel of Christ is for every race, tribe, and tongue – and that the Church of England remains a home for all.
Our Identity
Africans are inherently religious, and among the Igbo people, religion is inseparable from culture and language. The Anglican Igbo Church exists to provide a credible and vital link between the “far-away home” of ancestral culture and the present British context. It is a space where language, liturgy, and community foster a multi-generational and multi-locational belonging.
Established in 2010, the church has faithfully served as a beacon of faith, cultural identity, and community for Igbo-speaking Anglicans in the UK. Over 15 years, it has grown into a thriving congregation that brings together families across generations and geographies.
We celebrate:
- 500+ worshippers engaged through bilingual liturgy, Eucharist, and vibrant worship.
- Generational discipleship and leadership formation.
- Cultural events that strengthen Igbo identity and heritage.
- Outreach initiatives addressing social and economic needs.
We are:
- Rooted in Scripture and Anglican heritage
- Culturally confident and community-centred
- Committed to shaping a sustainable, holistic, Spirit-led future for Igbo families in the UK
Celebrating Women’s Discipleship
The women’s ministry is at the heart of discipleship in the Igbo Church, equipping mothers, daughters, and sisters in Christ to live out their faith with courage and compassion. Through the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, women are nurtured to become leaders in prayer, teaching, and service.
In addition, the Young Ladies Fellowship (ages 22–35) provides a space where younger women are nurtured through cookery sessions, Igbo language and culture learning, and Christian fellowship — ensuring discipleship remains relevant across generations.
This ministry is a powerful embodiment of the Diocese of London’s commitment to growing in diversity and deepening discipleship, reminding us that mission begins in the everyday faithfulness of God’s people.
Looking Ahead
As the Diocese continues to support pioneering congregations, established parishes, and new mission communities, the ministry of the Anglican Igbo Church of the Holy Trinity stands as a sign of hope and renewal. Its growth reflects what is possible when cultural identity, Anglican tradition, and gospel mission come together in faithfulness to Christ.