Anglican Church Bans Politicians from Speaking on Pulpit Following Wike’s Event

 Anglican Church Bans Politicians from Speaking on Pulpit Following Wike’s Event

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially prohibited politicians and government officials from speaking on its podiums during services, reaffirming its stance on political neutrality within its places of worship.

The directive comes just a week after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held a thanksgiving service at St James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, where he used the pulpit to take swipes at his political rivals.

In a memo signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, the Church expressed concern over the increasing politicisation of religious gatherings. The announcement was made during an Episcopal Consultation in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu.

The Church emphasized that its pulpits are sacred and must not be used to promote partisan views or political propaganda. Leaders were instructed to refrain from praising or glorifying political figures in a manner that could compromise the Church’s integrity.

“No guest should be permitted to speak from the lectern, which is reserved for the reading of God’s Word,” the memo stated. While politicians and public officials remain welcome to attend services, they are not to be given speaking opportunities during worship.

The Church reiterated its mission to remain a beacon of light and moral guidance, citing Matthew 5:13–14: “The Church remains committed, under God, to being the light of the world and the salt of the earth.”