Welcome to Nigerian Chaplaincy Sunderland

We are a church in the United Kingdom, built on faith and dedicated to fostering a strong foundation in Christ Jesus for our community and beyond.

Church Leaders

History of the Church / Join Our Faith Community

The Nigerian Chaplaincy, Sunderland Branch is an arm of The Nigerian Chaplaincy United Kingdom. This Sunderland Branch of the Nigerian Chaplaincy was started on the 25th day of December 2022 by Revd Canon Dr Davidson Chineduzim & Dr Mrs Gloria Nkechinyere David under the oversight of The Venerable Dr Joe Ajaefobi (The Lead Chaplain of the Nigerian Chaplaincy UK).

The Nigerian Chaplaincy serves as a visible representation of the Church of Nigerian (Anglican Communion) in UK and complements the efforts of the Churches in England in providing pastoral care and spiritual support to Nigerian Anglicans/Christians and to Nigerians of all faith and none who are resident, studying or visiting United Kingdom.

In the early seventies, there were thousands of Nigerian students studying in British Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Higher and Further Education. Many of these who were Anglicans were given cold receptions in their local Church of England Parish Churches as well as in the wider community. This experience deprived them of a much-needed spiritual base and moral support, which inevitably led to discouragement. For some, this resulted in a complete loss of interest in Christianity all together.

The Nigerian Chaplaincy was then set up in 1980 by the CMS (Church Mission Society) in conjunction with the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion and the OFNC (Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians in Great Britain). It was established in response to the spiritual, social and welfare needs of Nigerian students in UK and to assist local churches to reach out to and receive/welcome the students into their folds. On finishing their studies, a great number of these Nigerians have settled to live and work in the United Kingdom. As a result of this, the scope of the Nigerian Chaplaincy has widened to include ministering to families with Nigerian roots.

The intention and mission of the Nigerian Chaplaincy is quite clear: we are not competing with any Christian Denomination in England, but rather, we are complementing the efforts of the churches in England in Christian mission and ministry, thereby contributing to the bigger picture. We are aware that many Nigerian Anglicans/Christians are happily settled in the established and fee churches in England and are deeply involved in the mission and ministry of their various local parishes/denominations. However, we are equally aware that many of them are yearning for the African style of worship and Christian spirituality that an average English Church may not be able to provide. As a result, a good number of Nigerian Anglicans/Christians in this category are in passionate search of a place of fellowship that is ‘culturally sensitive and relevant’ to some aspects of their spiritual needs. Therefore, the focus of the Nigerian Chaplaincy now is to position itself to attract and welcome such people and to provide them with culturally sensitive and relevant pastoral care, taking into consideration the Nigerian context and worldviews. We are open to collaborate and partner with indigenous churches in England whenever and wherever possible.

The Nigerian Chaplaincy, Sunderland Branch meets every Sunday by 12.30pm at 67 Thompson Road, Southwick, SR5 2JJ, Sunderland.

God fearing leaders in Christ Jesus.

Our Mission and Vision

Venerable Dr. Joe Ajaefobi (Lead Chaplain, Nigerian Chaplaincy United Kingdom).

Revd Canon Dr. Davidson Chineduzim & Dr. Mrs Gloria Nkechinyere David (Branch Chaplain - Nigerian Chaplaincy Sunderland Branch).