Who Is Venerable David Nwanekpe.DD?
Venerable David Chimezie Nwanekpe is a devoted New York-based Anglican priest, theologian, retreat leader, and reform-minded church administrator whose calling spans across Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Canada, and the United States. Currently serving as Rector of the Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, Bronx, New York, he combines pastoral depth with academic rigor and prophetic courage.
A Journey of Grace and Global Ministry
Born in Douala, Cameroon, on May 18, 1983, Ven. Nwanekpe was baptized at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, now a cathedral in the Diocese of cemeroon. His early formation was shaped by his family’s strong Anglican roots and the mentorship of Rev. Fr. Seth Adu, a Ghanaian priest.
His family later relocated to Izombe, Oguta LGA, Imo State, Nigeria, due to political unrest—an experience that would later inform his passion for justice, peacebuilding, and clergy welfare.
Churches He Has Served
Ven. Nwanekpe has faithfully served in the following congregations:
Emmanuel Church, Long Island, New York – Rector (2025 to date)
St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, Onitsha – First church served
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Uba-Agwa
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ndionymaobi
St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Ubudi-Agwa
St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Igbokenyi
Emmanuel Anglican Church, Onono
Uka Ndi Igbo Anglican Church, Bronx – Vicar (2015–2017)
Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, Bronx – Rector (2018–Present)
Ecclesiastical Leadership
Within the Church of Nigeria and its North American Mission (CONNAM), Ven. Nwanekpe holds several key leadership positions, reflecting his commitment to spiritual formation and ecclesiastical service. These roles include:
Coordinator of Knight-Elect Training and Vesting
Chaplain of the Council of Knights, CONNAM
Appointed by the Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba
Bishop’s Emissary to North America (Diocese on the Niger)
Retreat Preacher and Spiritual Director for Canons and Archdeacons
He is widely respected for combining pastoral gentleness with firm leadership often serving as a voice for truth, especially where injustice or silence prevails.
Academic and Professional Excellence
Ven. Nwanekpe is a committed scholar and spiritual leader whose educational journey reflects both theological depth and practical ministry training. His academic and professional qualifications include:
Early Life and Education
Venerable David Nwanekpe began his educational journey at the English Anglican Cultural Primary School, Douala, Cameroon, where the foundations of faith, discipline, and academic excellence were first laid. His early years were marked by a deep sense of purpose and devotion, nurtured within a strong Anglican upbringing.
He proceeded to the Archdeacon Denis Junior Seminary, Mbieri, @ Anglican Diocese of Owerri, Imo State,for his secondary education, where he distinguished himself both in academics and spiritual formation. There, he earned his West African School Certificate, an achievement that further strengthened his commitment to pursue theological education and lifelong ministry in the Anglican Church. Furthermore, he got the following degrees.
CPE Clinical Chaplaincy Training – ACPE-accredited Centers, New York
Diploma in Theology (Dip.Th.) – Trinity College, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Religion – University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Bachelor of Theology (B.Th. Hons)
Master of Theology (M.Th.)
Master’s in Strategic Peace and Conflict Resolution – Imo State University
Honorary Doctorate in Theology (D.D. Hon.) – New York Seminary
he is currently a Doctoral student (Ph.D.) in Chruch History at Wesley University, Ondo Nigeria
In 2024, he was recognized by the University on the Niger for his exceptional contributions to theological education and academic development.
Clinical Chaplaincy and Pastoral Ministry
Ven. Nwanekpe has served as a hospital chaplain at:
• Maimonides Medical Center
There, he ministers to patients and families with sensitivity and spiritual insight particularly in moments of crisis, grief, and end-of-life care.
Author, Advocate, Theological Voice
A forthcoming author, his book Faith, Priesthood, and Society is a collection of reflections on Anglican theology and ministry in a broken world. He is also the author of hard-hitting essays like “The Evil That Men Do”, which boldly addresses clergy injustice and calls for structural reform within the Church.
Ven. Nwanekpe speaks across conferences, diocesan platforms, and public forums on issues ranging from liturgical renewal to priestly welfare, peacebuilding, and social justice.
Personal Life
Venerable David Nwanekpe is a devoted family man whose life and ministry are deeply enriched by the love and support of his family. He is blessed with a gracious and virtuous wife, Lady Amuche Nwanekpe, whose strength, wisdom, and kindness complement his calling in ministry. Together, they are proud parents of three wonderful children, Blessing Nwanekpe, Michelle Nwanekpe, and David Chimezirimu Nwanekpe Jr, who embody the family’s shared values of faith, excellence, and compassion.
The Nwanekpe family represents a true portrait of Christian unity and love. Their home radiates warmth, prayer, and laughter, a place where faith meets joy and where every achievement is celebrated with gratitude to God. They continue to serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that ministry begins first at home, through love, understanding, and togetherness.
A Legacy of Purpose
“God does not waste pain. What we survive becomes the tool of our ministry.”
Venerable David Chimezie Nwanekpe lives by this truth. From his roots in Cameroon to his pulpit in New York, his story is one of redemption, resilience, and divine purpose.
Whether you are here to connect, learn, partner, or grow, you are welcome. May his life and ministry inspire you toward deeper faith, greater service, and meaningful transformation
