Church of Nigeria Ends Communion with Church in Wales
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially announced it is cutting ties with the Church in Wales, following the election of Bishop Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the new Archbishop of Wales.
The decision was revealed in a strongly worded statement dated August 3, 2025, and signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba.
“We do not recognise the so-called Archbishop of Wales and cannot share communion with a church that has departed from the teachings of the Bible,” the statement read.
Nigerian Church Rejects LGBTQ Leadership in Anglican Communion
According to the statement, the election of a practising lesbian as an archbishop marks a serious violation of biblical doctrine, especially concerning sexuality and church leadership. The Church of Nigeria emphasized that this move contradicts traditional Anglican teachings.
“The election of a practising lesbian as an archbishop is not only a departure from the faith once delivered to the saints, but a defiance of God’s order,” Primate Ndukuba declared.
The Nigerian Church announced that it is placing the Church in Wales in a state of impaired communion, meaning that no official fellowship, liturgical activity, or ministry collaboration will continue between both churches.
This designation is the same stance Nigeria has taken in the past against the U.S. Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, both of which have embraced progressive stances on same-sex relationships.
“The Church in Wales has chosen to walk in the path of spiritual ruin,” Ndukuba said, warning that such decisions undermine the Church’s global mission and witness.
Church of Nigeria Reaffirms Stand with GAFCON and Orthodox Anglicanism
In the same statement, the Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its unwavering allegiance to the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) and other orthodox Anglican provinces that uphold traditional Christian teachings.
“We stand firm in our call to uphold biblical faith, and we will not compromise with churches that embrace unbiblical innovations,” the Primate said.
The Church concluded by urging all members and dioceses under its authority to avoid any form of liturgical engagement, ministry cooperation, or ecclesiastical fellowship with the Church in Wales or its representatives.
Background – Who Is Bishop Cherry Vann?
Bishop Cherry Vann was elected Archbishop of Wales in 2025, becoming the first openly lesbian cleric to hold the position. Her appointment has sparked debate and division within the global Anglican community, particularly among conservative provinces in Africa, including Nigeria.
