The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially cut ties with the Church in Wales after it appointed Bishop Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as its new Archbishop. The Nigerian Church says the decision goes against biblical teachings.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, made the announcement at a legal conference held at the Church’s national secretariat in Abuja. He said the election of a lesbian Archbishop is unacceptable and described it as an “abomination.”
He compared the situation to the 2003 appointment of Gene Robinson in the U.S., which also led to Nigeria breaking ties with the Episcopal Church. The Church believes that such decisions threaten the unity and doctrine of the global Anglican family.
The Nigerian Church reaffirmed its commitment to orthodox Anglican values and expressed support for members in Wales who still uphold traditional teachings. It pledged to stand with them through platforms like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
Primate Ndukuba also warned against what he called “revisionist teachings” in Western churches. He said these teachings are spreading fast and must be resisted to preserve biblical truth.
Despite the break, the Church of Nigeria is expanding its mission work abroad. New registrations are underway in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland to spread its orthodox beliefs.
The Church also announced that it had contributed $2.5 million to the GAFCON Endowment Fund and is working on a $2.3 million Nigerian version to support mission efforts and uphold its values.
Legal officers in the Church were urged to protect its doctrine and support reforms within the Nigerian legal and constitutional system. The Primate said they are “watchmen” called to defend the faith.
This bold step by the Church of Nigeria highlights the deepening divide within the global Anglican Communion and signals growing tension over moral and doctrinal issues.
