Support the CCITC

The agreement between the Principal of Cliff College, Cliff College Committee Chair, and Former CCITC Coordinator, Richard Jackson.

Some great news from Richard Jackson:

Dear Friends,

It seems a long time since we were in direct and personal contact. Much water has flowed ‘under the bridge’ since then. I know that many of you will be relieved when I tell you that we have found a way to reconcile our differences and move forward with the international work of training being undertaken through Cliff College.

The statement approved on the 20th May 2021 by the Principal of Cliff College, the Chair of the Cliff College Committee and the Former Coordinator of the CCITC was agreed unanimously by members of the Cliff College Committee meeting on the 16th June 2021. A copy of the joint statement will be shared on the Principal’s page.

The rebuilding of relationships has begun already and plans are being made, both to honour the foundational work of the CCITC and maintain the integrity of the diplomas and certificates awarded to trainees in partner churches throughout the programme.

As most of you will be aware, in the Autumn of 2020 we published a history of the CCITC, “Partners in Training (2000-2020)”, the distribution of which we restricted in response to progress being made towards a resolution of the on-going dispute. Can I ask of you my friends, that if you have a copy of this book already, you simply print off a copy of the attached statement and affix it inside the back cover of the book, thus completing the documented history in a more positive way.

If you do not have a copy of this book, but would like one for £10.00 (inclusive of postage), please contact me direct and not Amazon or publishers FeedaRead, who only have black & white copies. It will relieve me of large numbers of copies for sale here through me and provide some funding for making sure that some copies are made available to our friends in partner churches in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Uganda. All copies sold from now on will have the attached statement already inside the book.

Revd Ashley Cooper, Revd Loraine Mellor and all associated with Cliff College will want to join me in thanking you and all concerned people on both sides of this dispute for your prayers and constant encouragement that have helped to bring us to this positive outcome from such a damaging dispute.

Be blessed and continue to be a blessing in Christ Jesus, Our Lord,

Richard

A new history of the International Training Centre up to 2020 is available on Kindle; through Feed a Read with black & white pictures; and direct from Revd Dr Richard Jackson with coloured pictures. This 'Partners in Training (2000-2020)' history details also the questionable behaviour of the authorities at Cliff College in pausing this effective work in 2018 and taking control of everything associated with the International Training Centre. Cliff College, which is associated with Manchester University, has refused to maintain the archives of this work of God, which include hundreds of Cliff College Diplomas presented to large numbers of students/trainees belonging to partner churches in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Uganda. We trust that partner churches and former students will make their own views and feelings about this behaviour known to the current Principal and any known friends and associates of Cliff College.

Richard Jackson (Revd Dr) Past Coordinator (2001-2018) of CCITC

Dear Friends of the Cliff College International Training Centre who have shared with us and supported the partnership in training programme from 2002-18 that has seen hundreds of church leaders in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Uganda resourced with books and trained in every aspect of leadership in the life of growing churches.

Advent is a time of Hope, so as we continue to hope for a positive outcome to our concerns expressed in relation to the actions of Cliff College and the use of restricted funds donated for the purposes of the ITC, we feel that it is right for everyone to be aware of why we continue to pursue our complaint (outstanding, since the Cliff College Committee paused the work on the 16th May 2018).

I have been told by good friends, "Leave it, Richard" and
" Acceptance" is the only way forward, but many supporters who have identified with the work of CCITC for the 16 years between 2002 and 2018 have encouraged us to seek answers to questions raised about the decisions made by Cliff College without conversation and consultation in May 2018 and the subsequent actions and misuse of the restricted funds of CCITC.

Christmas is coming and with some goodwill on all sides, it will be possible to move forward in some positive ways. Sadly, as I write in hope, I realise that it will take a Christmas revelation and a New Year Covenant restoration for everyone to seek a united way forward for the CCITC in the coming year.

In the meantime, I write this update in Advent Hope with Christmas Greetings to all, and I mean all, at home and overseas who have the future of the Cliff College International Training Centre on their hearts and in their prayers for the coming year.

Richard

Dear Friends of the Cliff College International Training Centre. Many of your are querying the current situation regarding this long-term and very practical partnership in training programme which has worked so well in Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Uganda since 2002. Unfortunately, Methodist Church procedures are deemed to be confidential and little can be shared of the tortuous proceedings over the past year within which we have appealed the decisions and actions of the Cliff College authorities to 'pause the work' without any consultation/conversation with those who have both pioneered and promoted this programme at home and overseas. After almost a year of pursuing this complaint, we are still awaiting a definitive outcome which we trust will allow us to share with you all more of what has been happening and what that means for all the friends, supporters and partners of the International Training Centre.

We continue to appreciate the supportive messages received and the prayers of so many people and will update everyone (hopefully soon) about the outcome of these confidential proceedings.

Blessings to all,

Richard

Thank you to the many people who have expressed their concern about the future of the Cliff College ITC and, especially to those who have used my 79th Birthday today to send greetings and words of encouragement and support. As some of you are aware, much of what is being discussed at the moment is confidential, but we are hoping that some positive progress will be made over the next few weeks. In the meantime, all that we can ask of you all is that you be patient and keep praying for God's will to be worked out for the future, despite our very human reactions to what has been happening over the past few months. Blessings and prayers for everyone involved at home and overseas. Richard Jackson (Revd)

The Knights triumphant & Revd Dr Jackson return home to Sale, Manchester

REPORT ON RECENT VISIT OF THE CCITC TEAM TO NIGERIA (20th to 30th November 2018)

On the 17th May 2018, the Cliff College Committee with the support of the Principal and the recently appointed Director of Cliff College International Training Centre (CCITC) passed the following resolution:

“The Committee requires that the work schedule of the CCITC be paused to enable a review of the CCITC, and to enable the Principal to re-evaluate and re-vision the way forward for this part of the College’s outreach. This is to include consultation with existing and other partnerships, all under the oversight of the College. The Committee requests a report on the way forward be presented to the October meeting.”

As far as the core team of the 17 year old programme of CCITC were made aware: none of our team; our supporters in the work, including the World Church Office; and the Methodist Church in Ireland; or our partners overseas in Sierra Leone; Uganda and Nigeria or any supportive friends of CCITC were consulted in advance of the decision being made. This meant that work to which we were committed already: in July with Uganda; August with Sierra Leone; and September with Nigeria; had to be paused with immediate effect. We have as yet, received no further information from the Cliff College Committee regarding the outcome of the ‘so-called’ review due to be completed at their October meeting. What we do know from our partners overseas is that they are strongly supporting the continuation of the actual practical work of training being done on the ground in the kind of partnership that has been the ‘hallmark’ of the CCITC’s work from 2002 to the present day.

It came as a strong affirmation of the work with which the supporters of CCITC have been engaged (2002-2018) when the Methodist Wesley University of Nigeria invited the pioneer and long-time Coordinator of CCITC, Revd Richard Jackson to Nigeria to receive the award of an honorary Doctor of Ministry degree (D.Min) at their graduation ceremony on Wednesday 28th November 2018 with the following citation:



On the 20th November, my wife, Dr. Carole; the International Administrator, Sir Keith Phillips; and Local Preacher (retired Halle Orchestra violinist), Sir Peter Worrell; both honoured some years earlier by the Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) by being made members of the uniquely Nigerian, Order of John and Charles Wesley respectively joined me in travelling (at their own expense) to Nigeria to share in the awards ceremony.

As it turned out, the whole ten days that we were in Nigeria, became MCN’s own response to the Cliff College Committee’s resolution as we were encouraged to continue the much-appreciated work of the CCITC in some way. In a procession of special events at which the leadership of MCN through the Prelate; the Secretary of Conference; Archbishops and Bishops; through to the countless individuals who reminded us ‘I was one of your students’, either at Sagamu or Umuahia MTI and naming the year of graduation; we were blessed and encouraged by their appreciation, not only of the work done, but also of the lasting friendships/relationships engendered. This report may read like a diary and at times be as personal as the contents of any diary, but all of us returned from Nigeria knowing how much all the visiting teams were valued by those whom we have come to know as our friends.
We will not again go into details about the ‘fun and games’ endured as we sought Nigerian visas, but we were reminded that similar difficulties are experienced (with associated expenses) by our friends from Africa travelling to the UK. We were met at Lagos airport, by our dear friend and training coordinator Revd Dr. Chinonyerem Ekebuisi, who saw us through to a small, but comfortable Guest House for an evening meal and our overnight stay. Dr Ekebuisi took personal responsibility for our care, comfort and safety as he accompanied us throughout the visit.

Wednesday, 21st November After a leisurely breakfast (most meals take time to prepare!) we visited for lunch and talked for a couple of hours with a welcoming Secretary of Conference, Bishop Michael Akinwale (and other friends) at the Conference Office. Friendships were renewed in a tour of the Conference Office and with Revd Dr Paul Olukunga, former Education Secretary and MCN coordinator of our training programme who is now Head of the Methodist Boys High School in Lagos. Again in the evening, we shared a meal and fellowship with the Prelate, His Eminence, Samuel Uche hosted by his wife Florence. Throughout the day, the leadership of MCN shared in a very personal way their disappointment with the actions of the Cliff College Committee and their reservations about attitudes being adopted by related personnel.

Thursday, 22nd November We travelled by road from Lagos to Emmanuel College, Ibadan to share in one of the farewell events for Archbishop Michael Stephen, (SOC in 2005 when Cliff College ITC was invited first to Nigeria) who is retiring. Bishop Stephen, in early visits renewed relationships with team members Revd Gilbert Hall & Sylvia who had mentored him as a young lad in Nigeria. Within the warmth (in every sense of that word) of that farewell event we took time with much of the leadership (past and present) and were welcomed by old friends. Also we delivered to Dr. Berekiah some Old Testament journals) sent by Revd Dr Michael Thompson who has been a supportive friend in the UK since his first visit to Nigeria. Late in the afternoon (no special events are short in Nigeria) we travelled on to Sagamu MTI and were hosted by our old friend, now the Rector there, Revd Dr Sunday Onadipe for an evening meal, before collapsing into our hotel accommodation for the night!

Friday, 23rd November Yet another early morning start as we returned to the College in time for 7.00am prayers with the students and staff in the Mellor Centre, during which they reminded us that we had helped to complete the centre and inspire other work. After breakfasting we sharing a tour with the Rector (Principal) of the extensive new premises, largely funded by a Nigerian friend and benefactor. Whilst on the tour we were introduced to the new library building and I was re-introduced to many of my own library of books, delivered earlier in the year along with other books, hospital beds, computers etc. through William Carson and his team working from Lurgan as the Irish Container ministry. Before returning to Lagos, a late morning consultation with staff covered everything from questions about Brexit to concerns expressed about the continuing partnership with CCITC.

Saturday, 24th November Late morning flight to Owerri in the east, from where we were ferried to Umuahia MTI and introduced by the Rector, Revd Dr Okay Ogba to their new Medical Centre and their growing fish farm. We had planned to visit former SOC, (a big man in many ways), now Archbishop Raphael Opoko at Umuahia, but discovered that his wife, Alice, one of our celebrated former students, was having her birthday party nearby. We called in to greet, but were welcomed as celebrities, before visiting briefly with the Archbishop and arranging to meet again on Sunday evening for a meal. Our dear friend Bishop Babatunde Taiwo had arranged a brief welcome by his lay leader at his house before we moved on to our generous hosts for two nights the well-travelled Chima and his wife Scholar. An evening ‘soiree’ by their swimming pool, provided an opportunity for close friends to pay tribute to Bishop Taiwo and his wife Esther.

Sunday, 25th November The major farewell tribute as he moves on to Ibadan took place at Bishop Taiwo’s church on Sunday morning. We along with others, including the deputy governor were treated as honoured guests as the celebrations, lively as they were, went on and on. A brief respite with our hosts and then the evening meal and conversations with our friends Archbishop Opoko and his wife Alice rounded off a very hectic day.

Monday, 26th November A very early start (5.00am) as we travelled by road from Umuahia to Benin City, where eventually we met up with Revd Dr Usman Habib (a Cliff College & Manchester University graduate) in time to share with his students at the All Nations College, where he is the Provost in Benin City. Once again their lively response to our sharing and the ‘selfies’ that followed made the whole group feel like film stars on tour! An evening meal with Bishop Taiwo, Esther, daughter Grace, sons Joshua and Daniel, who are like family to us, before retiring to our nearby hotel late in the evening rounded off another exciting, but very hectic day.

Tuesday, 27th November A late start (9.00am) saw us, accompanied by Dr Habib, on the road again for our 2-3 hour journey from Benin City to the City of Ondo, where Wesley University is located. The front view of the University did not prepare us for the size of the campus, which we passed through as we observed the courtesies of meeting the Vice-Chancellor, the Governing council and the ever-competent Registrar, Chioma Obasi, whom we met first, working alongside the then Education Secretary and National Coordinator for CCITC, Revd Okon Ekerendu at the Conference Office on our first training visit. Much of Tuesday afternoon was taken up with meeting people and listening to the Convocation lecture delivered by Prof Sola Fajana before returning to our hotel for food and relaxation.

Wednesday, 28th November The great day dawned sunny with normal temperatures for the year of around 30 + degrees! The travelling Prelate Uche, (his role demands a great deal of travel over this huge country) having arrived late in the evening, led the early morning dedication of the new buildings and library that house the new Theological Department at Wesley University. Graciously, as always in our partnership, he invited me to pray for the Conference Centre and Sir Peter Worrell prayed for the new library as a large group of us made our way through the building.
As always on these grand occasions, the long academic procession, took time to muster, but with the Registrar’s efficiency to the fore we were in the auditorium, seated and welcomed shortly after the due start time of 11.00am. A beautifully published ‘Order of Proceedings’ with plentiful pictures of key figures, texts of addresses by the Chancellor; Vice Chancellor and others; guided us through the celebratory events of the day as students were awarded their degrees/special student prizes and the leadership shared their aspirations of becoming one of the top ten Universities in Nigeria, by 2027.

With due ceremony and pageantry (drums, trumpets, lots of photographs): a personal profile was shared; the Citation was read by the University Orator; the Vice Chancellor garbed Rev Richard Jackson in a gown and a hood; and the Chancellor placed the cap on his head as he was awarded his honorary Doctor of Ministry, (D.Min). An opportunity was given for the awardee to respond positively to the honour being awarded, but the most moving part of the ceremony for me was in being embraced by the Prelate and the platform party as one of their own and on being acknowledged as the first Briton, to have been honoured by Wesley University in this way. All the congratulations from Wesley University students and many of our CCITC former students and partner lecturers only added to the sense of occasion.

Thursday, 29th November What followed might have felt like an anti-climax as we waited around in Ondo for Revd Dr Ekebuisi to fulfil lecturing and other obligations. Our thanks go to Barrister McNezer and Dr Vincent, who provided for us an interesting and informed tour of the University campus with its zoological gardens & fisheries; natural history museum and ancillary buildings, followed by visits in Ondo to the impressive National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), which runs practical training courses in management for leaders in west African schools and colleges; the Medical Research Centre; a large Community Centre and the award-winning local radio station M &C 106.5 FM.

Friday, 30th November Provided a more leisurely, three-hour drive back to Lagos and the Methodist ‘dress-making’ Centre where we picked up our shirts, and Carole her dress made up from material donated by Florence the Prelate’s wife. We were on time for our overnight journey and return home to the UK with British Airways, but the flight was delayed a little. The crew were caught up in the Lagos traffic and as the pilot later explained took over an hour to travel the short distance to the airport.

The visiting group want to express our thanks to everyone involved in the preparation and planning for the visit, especially Revd Dr Ekebuisi and driver Osemi who cared for us throughout. My personal thanks go to all involved in the leadership of the Wesley University, The Prelate and Secretary of the Methodist Church Nigeria and to all who (as on previous visits) provided Christian hospitality, friendship and encouragement to the visiting team.

Those of us who have committed so much to the pioneering partnership in training work of the CCITC are still hoping, though not too hopeful, that the Cliff College Committee and Leadership after their consultations with Nigeria and our other partners over the past six months will recognise that they have been badly advised and acted inappropriately in secular management terms, never mind with Christian brothers and sisters. Even now, I along with our friends in partner churches believe that, with good will and Christian grace it will be possible to retrieve the ‘CCITC situation’ with the support of those directly involved and move forward together in ways that honour the past and present work(ers) and leave options open for any new work proposed for the future.

Revd Dr Richard & Dr Carole Jackson; Sir Keith Phillips; Sir Peter Worrell Email: [email protected]