Church of Nigeria Condemns Election of Lesbian Archbishop of Wales
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a strong rebuke following the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales. In an official statement released over the weekend, the Nigerian Church described the development as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and warned of its implications for the unity of the global Anglican Communion.
The statement, signed by the Church’s Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, characterized Bishop Vann’s election as a reflection of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba expressed concern that the appointment could damage the credibility and mission of the Anglican Church, not only in Wales but across the Communion. Citing 2 Timothy 4:3–4, he said the development reveals a broader unwillingness to “endure sound doctrine” within certain parts of the Church.
Drawing historical comparisons, Ndukuba referenced the leadership of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, former Presiding Bishop of the U.S.-based Episcopal Church, who also faced criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive theological positions during her tenure from 2006 to 2015.
The Church of Nigeria further accused Bishop Vann of contributing to what it termed an “ongoing crisis” over same-sex issues within the Anglican Church, warning that the Church in Wales risks “losing spiritual relevance” unless it returns to what it called “biblical teachings.”
In a definitive stance, the Nigerian Church declared: “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 also urged members of the global Anglican community to align with orthodox networks such as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a movement known for upholding traditional interpretations of scripture.
“We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” Ndukuba concluded. “But unless there is true repentance and a return to godliness, this Church may lose its relevance in the divine scheme for the people of Wales.”
