The Rt. Rev'd Dr. Felix Orji, a Nigerian-born bishop of the Anglican Diocese of All Nations within the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), has publicly shared photographs of himself participating in firearms training at a shooting range. The images, posted on social media, underscore a poignant message on personal and familial protection in the face of escalating threats to religious leaders.
In the photos, Bishop Orji is depicted handling a handgun with evident focus and proficiency, dressed in casual attire suitable for range activities. Accompanying the visuals is a reflective caption: "We have a responsibility to defend our families." This statement appears to resonate deeply with recent tragic events in Nigeria, including the brutal murder of a priest in Kaduna State, which has heightened anxieties over the safety of clergy members and their communities.
Bishop Orji, who resides in Houston with his wife, Lilian, and their four children, brings a wealth of experience to his pastoral role. Ordained in 1996 within the Anglican Church of Canada, he has served in various capacities across North America, including as rector of St. Francis on the Hill in El Paso, Texas. His academic credentials include a Master of Divinity from Vancouver School of Theology and a Doctorate in Leadership and Evangelism from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. In 2023, he was formally received into ACNA's College of Bishops alongside his diocese, following a period of transition from affiliations with the Church of Nigeria.
The bishop's decision to engage in and publicize such training highlights broader discussions on self-defense within faith communities, particularly for diaspora leaders connected to regions plagued by sectarian violence. While firearm ownership and training are protected rights in the United States, Bishop Orji's initiative serves as a sobering reminder of the global challenges facing Anglican and other Christian denominations.
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