Church of Nigeria Rejects Election of Lesbian Archbishop of Wales, Calls for Return to Biblical Teachings

• In a statement signed by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Church described the move as “spiritual decadence” and “an abandonment of the faith,” warning that it could damage the credibility and mission of the Anglican Communion globally.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has condemned the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as Archbishop of Wales, calling it a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a threat to Anglican unity.

In a statement signed by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Church described the move as “spiritual decadence” and “an abandonment of the faith,” warning that it could damage the credibility and mission of the Anglican Communion globally.

“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,” he said, citing 2 Timothy 4:3–4.

Ndukuba drew parallels to the tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former head of the U.S. Episcopal Church, who faced similar criticism for her progressive views.

The Church of Nigeria also accused Bishop Vann of fueling the “ongoing crisis” over same-sex issues in the Anglican Church, warning that the Church in Wales risks losing spiritual relevance unless it returns to “biblical teachings.”

In a firm declaration, Ndukuba stated: “The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales.”

He called on global Anglicans to reject what the Church described as “rebels” and “apostates,” urging them instead to align with conservative bodies such as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), known for defending traditional scriptural positions.

“We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. We should hold them in our prayers with a clear message that hope lies only in true repentance and godliness. 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,” the statement concluded.