Church of Nigeria cuts ties with Church in Wales over election of lesbian Archbishop

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has formally severed ties with the Church in Wales following the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, a lesbian, is the Archbishop of Wales.

This declaration was made by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba, during his keynote address at the ongoing Anglican Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers Conference (ACRLOC), held at St. Matthias House, Gudu, Abuja.

In his speech, Archbishop Ndukuba denounced the election of Archbishop Vann as a deviation from biblical orthodoxy, describing it as an abomination before God.

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The clergy said the decision marks a continued departure by some Anglican provinces from scriptural authority and moral values.

“We are more resolute and committed to the stance of the Church of Nigeria against homosexuality and heretical teachings in the communion. What they call wisdom and culture is an abomination before God.

“The election of the Right Reverend Cherry Vann as the Archbishop of Wales is never recognized by the Church of Nigeria. We reject it. We are severing every tie and relationship with the Church of Wales”, he declared.

Dr. Ndukuba reaffirmed the Church’s position on upholding traditional Christian doctrine, pledging continued alignment with orthodox Anglican bodies such as GAFCON, as well as partners in Rwanda, Uganda, and other like-minded churches.

He emphasized that the Church of Nigeria will remain steadfast in its mission, evangelism, and discipleship agenda while resisting what he described as revisionist agendas within the global Anglican Communion.

“There is no turning back. We shall continue to focus on mission, evangelism, discipleship, and preparing the Church for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ”, he said.

Addressing the gathering of legal professionals serving the church, Archbishop Ndukuba likened them to biblical watchmen tasked with guarding justice, truth, and righteousness within the church and society.

Quoting extensively from scriptures including Ezekiel 33 and Romans 13, the Primate urged chancellors and legal officers to stand firm in their roles, cautioning that silence in the face of moral and doctrinal threats could be tantamount to complicity.

“The watchman must be courageous. If he fails to warn the people, blood is on his hands. Likewise, you must speak when truth is under threat, even when legal correctness conflicts with godly conviction”, Ndukuba noted.

The primate also thanked the legal officers, many of whom serve pro bono, for their dedication and sacrifices. He encouraged them to maintain spiritual commitment and moral clarity while carrying out their professional duties.

As part of the conference, the Church celebrated the achievements of some of its legal representatives who have been elevated as Judges and Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), and offered condolences to those who have recently lost loved ones.

Ndukuba reiterated the Church’s commitment to the Decade of the Reign of God initiative, asserting that despite challenges, the Church will persevere, grow, and remain faithful to its calling.

“The gates of hell shall not prevail against us. We press on with perseverance and hope, trusting that He who began this good work will bring it to completion,” he added.