Baba Kafunchan

The All Africa Bishops Conference was more than slightly intimidating to this retired oyster raiser from the Northern Neck of Virginia. This struck home smartly as I entered the huge hall my first morning where the daily Eucharist had already started.

All settled down well inside me as I recognized my friend from several trips, the Bishop of Kafuncan, William Diya, fondly called Baba Kafunchan. That title reflects his status of elder statesman among the leaders of the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, as well as a leader in faith and love.

He speaks gently with a soft voice but with strong faith, clear direction, and calm authority. Anglican Frontier Missions sponsored him for training in Singapore in 2000 for leading his diocese into work among an unreached people. The people he chose to work with were the Kanuri. Why? Because, he said, they were the first of the nomads of northern Nigeria to wear the mantle of Islam, and so he wanted them to be the first to become Christian. The trainer for that month, Frank Teo, was impressed with how this older bishop was a learner and how wise was his approach for the Kanuri.

Some of us from St. Stephen's visited him on two different occasions. We heard of his near escape from thugs during a time of religious violence, and also of his provision for Fulani converts who need a safe place after embracing Jesus Christ.

So to spot him at the Eucharist, and, happily, next to an empty chair, put me in the presence of piety, humility, faith, and sweet friendship. And that was the end of conference intimidation.