JUST IN: Nigeria’s Anglican Church Takes Action Church Over Election of Lesbian Archbishop of Wales
- The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has taken action against the election of Bishop Cherry Vann
- The Church of Wales elected Vann, an open lesbian cleric as the new and 15th Archbishop of Wales
- The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) officially severed all relationship with the Church in Wales over Vann's election
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
FCT, Abuja - The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has cut ties with the Church of Wales over the election of Bishop Cherry Vann, an open lesbian cleric as the new Archbishop of Wales.
Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, labeled Vann’s election an “abomination” and a direct violation of biblical teachings.
Source: Twitter
Legit.ng recalls that The Church in Wales announced the election of the Rt Revd Cherry Vann as 15th Archbishop.
As reported by Leadership, Ndukuba made this known on Tuesday at the opening session of the Church Conference of Chancellors, Registrars, and Legal Officers held in Abuja.
Ndukuba recalled a similar stance taken 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 the individuals have not relented from their evil agenda; rather, they have intensified it.
Primate Ndukuba said what the Church in Wales call wisdom and culture is an abomination to God.
The Anglican leader in Nigeria highlighted the Church of Nigeria’s concerns over Vann's sexual orientation.
Ndukuba emphasised that the Church of Nigeria does not recognise Bishop Vann’s election
“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.”
Archbishop Cherry Vann
Originally from Leicestershire, Archbishop Cherry Vann was consecrated as Bishop of Monmouth in 2020. Cherry was ordained as a deacon in 1989.
She was then among the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994. She then served as Archdeacon of Rochdale, in the Diocese of Manchester, for 11 years.
Source: Original
Expert speaks on church tension, social change
A theologian, Dr Benard Andrew, has weighed in on the growing tension between traditional Christian beliefs and evolving social values following the Church of Nigeria’s decision to cut ties with the Church in Wales..
Dr Andrew told Legit.ng that the debate over how the Church should respond to shifting moral and social standards is as complex as it is inevitable.
“Conservative Christians will tell you to stick to what the Bible said, to what Jesus and his Apostles thought. As much as I agree with them, interpreting ancient words with modern lenses is not set in stone.”
He noted that liberal Christians often argue that faith must evolve with society’s realities.
“Liberal Christians, on the other hand, will tell us constantly to make allowance for the changing times because Jesus himself interpreted the Torah through the lens of Love and not Condemnation.”
However, Dr Andrew warned that the question of how far the Church should go in adapting to social change remains unresolved.
“As great as this view sounds, the one lingering question remains: how far are we willing to go with this doctrine of tolerance? When is enough truly enough? Unfortunately, there are no guiding principles.”
He explained that while the Church of Christ is primarily a spiritual institution, it operates within a social framework that cannot be ignored.
“Granted, the Church of Christ is first a Spiritual kingdom. However, it exists and functions within a social construct. As such, social changes are inevitable. No amount of conservative thinking will erase that.”
According to the theologian, the path forward lies in balancing faith’s foundational doctrines with thoughtful openness to new insights.
“I think the way forward is for the body of Christ to continue to adhere to the fundamental doctrines of our common Faith as spelled out by Jesus, the Apostles and some of the Church Fathers, while leaving room for new insights and opinions, bearing in mind that if Jesus and his Apostles lived in our time, they may have presented some of their teachings differently.”
Anglican Church bars Wike, others from pulpit
Recall that the Anglican Church of Nigeria barred politicians and officials from speaking at the pulpit to protect its worship spaces from political influence.
The move follows public outrage after Minister Nyesom Wike made partisan remarks against Peter Obi during a thanksgiving service in Abuja.
Church leadership says the guidelines will keep services focused on faith and unity rather than party politics or divisive speeches.
Anglican Church speaks on APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemned in strong terms the APC's Muslim-Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential election.
Rev. Dr. Duke Akamisoko, the Anglican Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, said the same faith ticket shows APC is insensitive to the plurality of religions in Nigeria.
Akamisoko added that the APC's action is an insult to northern Christians who are members of the ruling party.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a theologian for this report.
Source: Legit.ng
