After Wike’s thanksgiving, Anglican Church issues strong guidelines on the use of the Church

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In response to criticism of recent comments made by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), at a Thanksgiving ceremony, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has taken steps to limit the use of its worship services for political ends.

Wike verbally attacked political enemies at the ceremony commemorating the completion of many projects, drawing criticism and reiterating calls for the church to remain neutral.

During the Episcopal Consultation in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu, the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, acted quickly and issued a formal directive. Korede Akintunde, the church’s director of communication, disseminated the document, which contained new guidelines for entertaining political persons.

The church cautioned that the unity of the church and the integrity of Christian worship are in danger due to the increasing politicization of religious venues.

The Anglican Church has now adopted a harsh stance, seemingly in response to the outcry that has followed that decision.

During Friday’s Episcopal Consultation in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, signed a memo outlining the decision.

The Episcopal Consultation was attended by all of the Anglican bishops from all throughout the nation.

According to the Church, all of its parishes are subject to the official rules about how politicians and government representatives should be treated at church services and events.

According to the email, the church expressed worry that the integrity of Christian worship may be jeopardized by the growing use of church services as political forums.

It pointed out that the guidelines reaffirmed the significance of preserving a friendly and courteous environment while defending the Church’s objectivity, fundamental principles, and divine mission.

The memo’s main points are as follows: “The Church remains open to all persons, including politicians and government officials, in both its services and other programmes.

“In keeping with its calling and inclusive nature, the Church must not engage in or promote partisanship.

“The Church must diligently avoid speeches, conduct, or events that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ.

From now on, the following procedures must be followed: “There must be a prior discussion with any guest who is expected to address the congregation, in order to offer appropriate guidance.

“Guests must be clearly informed that the Church is not a platform for promoting partisan views or political propaganda.

“Church leaders and officiants must refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned or sectional.

“No Church official should eulogise or exalt any guest in a manner that might bring the Church into disrepute.

“Where possible, guests should not be permitted to use the Church’s lectern when speaking, as it has been consecrated for the reading of God’s Word.

“The Church of Nigeria acknowledges its role within the body politic and affirms its responsibility to engage government authorities on matters affecting the faithful and society at large.”

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