Church Of Nigeria Slams Election Of Lesbian Archbishop

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

In a statement signed by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Nigerian Church described the development as evidence of “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.” The pronouncement underscores the deepening theological divide within the worldwide Anglican Communion, especially on matters of sexuality and scriptural interpretation.

Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation could further erode the moral credibility and spiritual mission of the Anglican Church—not just in Wales, but globally. Quoting 2 Timothy 4:3–4, he said, “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.”

Drawing parallels to past controversies, Ndukuba referenced the leadership of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, who served as Presiding Bishop of the U.S.-based Episcopal Church from 2006 to 2015, and who similarly faced criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.

The Nigerian Church accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in what it termed the “ongoing crisis” over same-sex issues within the Communion. It warned that unless the Church in Wales repents and returns to what it called “biblical teachings,” it risks becoming spiritually irrelevant.

In a firm and unambiguous declaration, Archbishop 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 also urged Anglicans worldwide to reject what the Church labeled “rebels” and “apostates,” calling on believers to stand with conservative movements like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which is known for upholding traditional scriptural teachings.

“We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” the statement continued. “We must pray for those in error, but let the message be clear: hope lies only in true repentance and godliness. Otherwise, the Church in Wales will lose all relevance in God's divine plan—and leaders who compromise will not be spared in the day of judgment.”