The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has strongly condemned the appointment of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales.
In a statement released by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Church declared the election a “serious departure from biblical teaching.”
The decision, according to Ndukuba, threatens the spiritual unity of the global Anglican Communion and signals “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
The Nigerian Church emphasized that such actions reflect growing spiritual decay within the global Anglican body.
“The recent election of Bishop Vann is a clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine,” the Primate warned.
Furthermore, the Church accused Bishop Vann of worsening the ongoing divide within the Anglican Church over same-sex issues.
The Church believes her elevation represents a dangerous shift away from scriptural truth.
Archbishop Ndukuba argued that this could destroy the spiritual authority of the Anglican Church not only in Wales but around the world.
“Unless the Church in Wales repents and returns to biblical teachings, it risks losing spiritual relevance altogether,” he added.
In addition, he drew a comparison with the former leader of the Episcopal Church in the United States, Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori.
Her tenure from 2006 to 2015 was also marked by controversy over similar issues.
The Church of Nigeria, using a firm tone, stated it would not accept the election of Bishop Vann.
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” the statement said.
Moreover, the Church urged believers across the Anglican Communion to reject what it referred to as “rebels” and “apostates.”
It called for unity under conservative groups like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), known for standing by traditional values.
However, the church made it clear that this is not just a political or leadership concern, but a spiritual crisis.
“We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” the statement affirmed.
Therefore, the Church advised continued prayers for the Anglican Church in Wales, urging leaders to turn back to holiness. “Hope lies only in true repentance and godliness,” Archbishop Ndukuba declared.
“Otherwise, this Church will lose complete relevance in the divine scheme for the people of Wales, and the leaders in compromise shall not be spared in the time of judgment.”
