Church of Nigeria Rejects Election of Lesbian Archbishop of Wales

 

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has strongly opposed the recent election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann—an openly lesbian bishop—as the Archbishop of Wales, calling it a significant deviation from biblical principles and a threat to the unity of the global Anglican Communion.

In an official statement signed by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Nigerian Church described Vann’s appointment as indicative of “spiritual decline” and “a clear abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.” The statement reflects growing tensions within the worldwide Anglican family regarding theology, sexuality, and church authority.

Archbishop Ndukuba expressed concern that the elevation of Bishop Vann could damage the credibility and mission of the Anglican Church—not just in Wales but globally. Citing 2 Timothy 4:3–4, he argued that the decision exemplifies a broader rejection of sound doctrine within parts of the Communion.

He also drew comparisons to the leadership of the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former head of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. (2006–2015), who was similarly criticized by conservative Anglicans for her liberal theological views.

Further, the Church of Nigeria accused Bishop Vann of contributing to what it described as an ongoing crisis over same-sex issues in the Anglican Church. The statement warned that unless the Church in Wales repents and returns to what it termed “biblical truth,” it risks becoming spiritually irrelevant.

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

He urged members of the global Anglican community to distance themselves from what the Nigerian Church labeled “apostasy,” and instead align with conservative fellowships such as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), known for upholding traditional biblical teachings.

The statement concluded with a call for repentance and prayer: “We believe our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. But without repentance and a return to godliness, the Church in Wales risks losing its place in God’s plan—and those who lead it astray will face judgment.”