In a bold and uncompromising stance on doctrinal fidelity, the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially cut all ties with the Church in Wales following the appointment of Bishop Cherry Vann—an openly lesbian cleric—as the new Archbishop of Wales.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, made the announcement in Abuja during the opening of the 14th Conference of Chancellors, Registrars, and Legal Officers, held at the Church’s national secretariat. Themed “Called as a Watchman”, the gathering convened legal minds from across the Anglican fold to deliberate on faith, justice, and governance.
Delivering a keynote address titled “The Decade of the Reign of God: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects”, Ndukuba condemned the Welsh Church’s decision as a betrayal of biblical truth.
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“We reject the election of the Right Reverend Cherry Vann as the Archbishop of Wales,” he declared. “Just as we acted following the 2003 consecration of Gene Robinson in the U.S., we are severing every tie and relationship with the Church in Wales.”
Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church (USA), had similarly triggered a historic rift between Nigeria and the American province two decades ago. For the Nigerian Church, this latest development is yet another line crossed.
Ndukuba warned that what is being paraded in the name of inclusivity is, in fact, a dangerous drift away from the foundations of Scripture.
“These individuals have not relented from their evil agenda,” he said. “What they call their wisdom and culture is an abomination to God.”
Despite the rupture, the Church of Nigeria pledged solidarity with conservative believers in Wales and across the Anglican world through platforms like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).
“We pray the Church of God in Wales will rise up,” Ndukuba said. “We, alongside GAFCON, will stand with the faithful among them.”
Looking ahead, the Primate revealed that the Church of Nigeria is scaling up its global mission with new initiatives in Europe. Plans are underway to formally register branches in Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, as part of a renewed missionary drive.
“We believe the Lord is calling us back to Europe,” he said.
The Church has also deepened its financial commitment to the global orthodox Anglican cause. According to the Primate, Nigeria recently contributed $2.5 million to the GAFCON Endowment Fund and is launching a local GAFCON Endowment worth $2.3 million to support gospel work at home.
Addressing internal matters, Ndukuba challenged the Church’s legal officers to remain vigilant and proactive in national discourse.
“You are watchmen for the Church,” he charged. “Defend her from every form of aggression. Speak God’s truth in love. Stand firm. Your duty lies in obedience.”
He further urged their full participation in the Church’s ongoing constitutional reforms and called for a reimagining of Nigeria’s national constitution to reflect justice and equity.
As the Church of Nigeria charts its course forward, it does so with clarity of conviction, reaffirming its identity as a bastion of orthodox Anglicanism—unyielding in its stand, both at home and abroad.
