The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has strongly criticized the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales, calling it a major deviation from biblical principles. In a statement by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Church described the development as a sign of “spiritual decadence” and warned it could threaten the unity of the global Anglican Communion.
Archbishop Ndukuba expressed concern that Bishop Vann’s appointment could damage the credibility and mission of the Anglican Church worldwide. He compared her election to that of former U.S. Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, who also drew criticism for progressive views. Ndukuba cited scripture to argue that some church leaders are abandoning sound doctrine.
The Church of Nigeria warned that the Church in Wales risks spiritual irrelevance unless it repents and returns to biblical teachings. It urged Anglicans around the world to reject what it called “apostates” and to stand with conservative Anglican groups like GAFCON that defend traditional Christian values.
Firm in its stance, the Nigerian Church declared it would not recognize Bishop Vann’s election. The statement concluded with a call for prayer and repentance, warning that compromise would lead to divine judgment and a loss of the Church’s relevance in Wales.
