The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has rejected the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as the Archbishop of Wales because she is openly lesbian.
The church said her appointment goes against the Bible and could harm the unity of Anglicans around the world.
In a statement signed by its leader, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, the Nigerian Church said this move shows a loss of spiritual direction and a turning away from true Christian teaching.
Archbishop Ndukuba warned that such decisions could make it harder for the Anglican Church to preach the gospel and carry out its mission.
He compared this situation to what happened in the U.S. years ago, when a female bishop with similar views faced backlash from more conservative Christians.
The Nigerian leader also said Bishop Vann’s election is proof that some churches are no longer willing to follow sound doctrine, quoting a verse from the Bible (2 Timothy 4:3–4) to support his view.
He urged the Church in Wales to return to biblical values or risk becoming spiritually unimportant.
The Church of Nigeria called on other Anglicans to reject what it described as “rebellion” and instead stand with groups like GAFCON, which hold on to traditional teachings.
Archbishop Ndukuba ended by saying the Church of Nigeria will not recognize Bishop Vann as Archbishop and asked Christians to pray for repentance and a return to godliness.
