Nigerian Anglicans reject election of lesbian Archbishop of Wales

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has publicly condemned the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. 

The Church described the development as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a threat to the unity of the global Anglican Communion.

In a statement signed by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Nigerian Church said the election of Bishop Vann signaled “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.” The statement reflects growing tensions within the global Anglican body over questions of sexuality, theology, and ecclesiastical authority.

Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation could severely undermine the credibility and mission of the Anglican Church, not only in Wales but across the Communion. “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.

Drawing historical parallels, Ndukuba referenced the tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, who led the Episcopal Church in the United States between 2006 and 2015 and was similarly criticized by conservative factions for her progressive stance.

The Church of Nigeria further accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” surrounding same-sex issues in the Anglican Church. It warned that unless the Church in Wales repents and returns to what it termed “biblical teachings,” it risks losing spiritual relevance altogether.

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.

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