The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has severed all affiliations with the Church of Wales over the latter’s recent election of Bishop Cherry Vann, an openly gay clergy member, as the new Archbishop of Wales.
The primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, made this known yesterday during the opening session of the Church Conference of Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers held in Abuja.
This year’s theme, “Called as a Watchman,” focused on doctrinal fidelity and governance issues, bringing together key legal figures from within the church.
In his address, Ndukuba condemned Vann’s election, labelling it an “abomination” and a direct violation of biblical teachings.
“A few days ago, the media went awash with the news of the action of the revisionists in the Western Church in the United Kingdom, specifically in the Church of Wales. These individuals have not relented from their evil agenda; rather, they have intensified it.
“As the scripture says, evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. What they call their wisdom and culture is an abomination to God,” he said.
Ndukuba expressed disappointment regarding Vann’s election, highlighting the Church of Nigeria’s concerns over her sexual orientation.
“The election of a lesbian woman does not originate as a mission.
She was nurtured from an acolyte to a deaconess. It was only upon becoming a bishop that she came out openly and has persisted in defending her position.
“We reject the election of the Right Reverend Cherry Vann as the Archbishop of Wales,” he said.
Drawing parallels to the church’s reaction to the consecration of Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church in 2003, Ndukuba stated, “Just as the Church of Nigeria took steps after the election of Gene Robinson, we are severing all ties and relationships with the Church of Wales.”
Ndukuba emphasised that the Church of Nigeria does not recognise Bishop Vann’s election, recalling a similar stance when the Episcopal Church (USA) consecrated Gene Robinson, a gay bishop, in 2003.
“Just as the Church of Nigeria took steps after the election of Gene Robinson in the United States. We are severing every tie and relationship with the Church of Wales,” he said.
However, he supported orthodox Anglicans in Wales, pledging support through the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) and other conservative factions.
“We pray that the Church of God in Wales will rise, and that the faithful among them will stand strong. We, the Church of Nigeria, alongside GAFCON, will stand with them,” Ndukuba said.
The primate also revealed plans to bolster the Church of Nigeria’s presence in Europe, citing ongoing registrations in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. “We feel that the Lord is calling us back to Europe for a mission,” he said.
While speaking at the conference, he charged the legal officers to uphold justice and doctrinal purity, likening their responsibilities to those of biblical watchmen.
“You are to understand yourselves to be watchmen for the church. You defend the church against all forms of aggression,” he urged.
Ndukuba emphasised that their authority is divinely ordained and requires both attentiveness to God’s voice and a steadfast commitment to truth.
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