The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has officially banned the use of church altars and pulpits for political speeches following the backlash that trailed a recent service attended by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The decision was announced in a memo signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, during the Episcopal Consultation held on Friday in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State. All Anglican bishops across Nigeria reportedly attended the high-level ecclesiastical meeting.
The new policy comes in the wake of public outrage over Wike’s appearance at St. James’ Church, Asokoro, Abuja, last Sunday, where he made politically charged remarks, attacking politicians including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
During the same service, the presiding Vicar, Venerable Ben Idume, was seen praising Wike and lauding President Bola Tinubu for appointing him as FCT Minister. The incident sparked intense criticism from the public and commentators, including Arise TV’s Morning Show host Reuben Abati, who accused both the minister and the priest of “desecrating the church” by turning the service into a political rally.
In what appears to be a direct response to the backlash, the Anglican Church stated in its new memo that it would no longer tolerate the use of its sacred spaces for political grandstanding.
The Church expressed concern over “the increasing use of church services as political platforms,” warning that such practices “risk compromising the integrity of Christian worship.”
The guidelines reaffirmed the church’s commitment to inclusivity and engagement with society but stressed the importance of neutrality and upholding the sanctity of worship.
The memo outlined the following protocols, effective immediately:
- The Church remains open to all persons, including politicians and government officials, in both its services and other programmes.
- However, “the Church must not engage in or promote partisanship,” and must avoid conduct or events “that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ.”
- All guests expected to address the congregation must first be briefed and guided appropriately.
- Politicians must be clearly informed that “the Church is not a platform for promoting partisan views or political propaganda.”
- Clergy and church leaders must “refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned.”
- No Church official should eulogise or exalt any guest “in a manner that might bring the Church into disrepute.”
- Guests, where possible, should not speak from the Church’s lectern “as it has been consecrated for the reading of God’s Word.”
The Church concluded by affirming its responsibility to “engage government authorities on matters affecting the faithful and society,” but insisted that such engagements must not compromise its spiritual mandate.
The new directive marks a significant shift in how the Anglican Church in Nigeria will relate to political figures during religious events, ensuring that places of worship remain neutral and focused on spiritual edification.
