The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially banned politicians and government officials from speaking on its pulpits during church services.
The directive, issued barely a week after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, held a high-profile thanksgiving at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, was signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba.
During the thanksgiving, Wike used the church platform to take swipes at his political rivals, stirring up widespread concern about the rising intersection of politics and the pulpit.
In a memo released after the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu, the Anglican leadership stated that only ordained ministers should speak from the lectern, which is reserved solely for the reading and preaching of God’s Word.
“The Church is not a platform for political campaigns or propaganda,” the memo read, adding that politicians and officials may attend services, but must not speak or be unduly glorified during worship.
The Church also warned clergy and leaders within the denomination to steer clear of political alignment and public praise for political figures, especially in ways that could be misinterpreted as endorsement or partisanship.
“Church leaders and officiants must refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned or sectional,” it stated.
The decision reflects the Church’s intent to preserve its spiritual integrity and public trust in the face of growing concerns over the politicisation of religious gatherings in Nigeria.
While politicians are still welcome to worship and participate in church programmes, the Anglican Church says it remains committed to its primary calling…to be “the light of the world and the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13–14). (BusinessDay)
