The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has moved to curb the use of its worship services for political purposes, following backlash over recent remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a thanksgiving service.
During the service held to commemorate the completion of several projects Wike used the church pulpit to launch verbal attacks on political rivals, prompting criticism and renewed calls for the church to maintain neutrality.
Reacting swiftly, the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, issued a formal directive during the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu. The memo, which outlined new protocols for hosting political figures, was released through the church’s Director of Communication, Korede Akintunde.
The church acknowledged the growing politicisation of religious platforms and warned that such practices threaten the integrity of Christian worship and the unity of the church.
In an apparent reaction to the outrage that has greeted that action, the Anglican Church has now taken a tough stance.
It made the decision in a memo signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, during the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu, on Friday.
All the Anglican Bishops from across the country attended the Episcopal Consultation.
The Church said the official guidelines regarding the reception of politicians and government officials in church services and programmes applies to all its parishes.
According to the memo, the church acknowledged concerns about the increasing use of church services as political platforms, which risk compromising the integrity of Christian worship.
The guidelines, it noted, affirmed the importance of maintaining a welcoming and respectful atmosphere while safeguarding the Church’s neutrality, core values, and divine mandate.
Key points outlined in the memo include: “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.
Henceforth, the following protocols are to be observed:
“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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