Kidnapped Nigerian Archbishop freed

Archbishop Ignatius Kattey Photo: Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

An Archbishop in the Church of Nigeria who was kidnapped over a week ago is "safe and well" after being released, the Anglican Communion Office has said.  

Archbishop Ignatius Kattey was kidnapped with his wife, Beatrice, on August 6 close to their home in Eleme, Port Harcourt.  

Mrs Kattey was released soon after but Archbishop Kattey was held until his release on Saturday.  

Archbishop Kattey oversees the Niger Delta Province, a region where kidnappings for ransom have reportedly become common. 

Police said the Archbishop was released without a ransom on Saturday evening.  

His kidnapping was condemned by Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.

A statement on the Archbishop of Canterbury's website said he "gives thanks" for the release of Archbishop Kattey.

Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese in Europe the Rt Reverend David Hamid said, "We give thanks for his freedom and return to his wife, family and Church community."

News
Pro-life group fears proposed Belfast byelaws will suppress free speech
Pro-life group fears proposed Belfast byelaws will suppress free speech

The byelaws include restrictions on pro-life material.

Danny Kruger says churches should have 'special privilege' to worship in national spaces
Danny Kruger says churches should have 'special privilege' to worship in national spaces

Reform MP, Danny Kruger, has waded into the ongoing row over a large Muslim prayer event in Trafalgar Square, saying that "it should not happen again". 

Jimmy Lai's daughter says he is looking to God after imprisonment
Jimmy Lai's daughter says he is looking to God after imprisonment

The daughter of imprisoned media tycoon Jimmy Lai told those gathered at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast that her father believes his life "is no longer about me, but God,” as she shared how his commitment to his faith remains strong despite the difficulties he faces. 

In many countries, people see others as morally good - but not in the US
In many countries, people see others as morally good - but not in the US

Across 25 countries, people tend to see their fellow citizens as more morally good than bad, but there are sharp differences between nations and continuing divisions over issues such as abortion, homosexuality, gambling and divorce.