The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially severed ties with the Church in Wales, over what it described as a grave departure from biblical doctrine following the election of Rt Rev Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as Archbishop of Wales.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Anglican Chancellors, Registrars, and Legal Officers Conference in Abuja, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Dr Henry Ndukuba, described the development as an “abomination before God” and a dangerous deviation from Christian orthodoxy.
“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,” Ndukuba said.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Ndukuba said the Anglican Communion was more resolute and committed to the stance of the Church of Nigeria against homosexuality and heretical teachings in the communion.
The Primate maintained that the Church’s decision was in line with its uncompromising stance on biblical authority and moral standards.
“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,” he declared.
He said the communion would continue to maintain orthodoxy and contend with the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
In an earlier statement dated August 3, 2025, Archbishop Ndukuba said, “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.”
He said the election represented a serious breach of biblical teaching on sexuality and leadership within the Anglican tradition.
“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 Church of Nigeria also stated that it was placing the Church in Wales in a “state of impaired communion,” meaning no official fellowship, worship, or ministry partnership will continue between them.
“In line with our commitment to the authority of Scripture and the historic Christian faith, we declare a state of impaired communion with the Church in Wales,” the statement continued.
The Church of Nigeria likened this move to its past withdrawal from the United States Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, citing similar doctrinal departures.
“The Church in Wales has chosen to walk in the path of spiritual ruin,” Ndukuba said, adding that such choices “undermine the witness and mission of the Church.”
He also reaffirmed the Church of Nigeria’s allegiance to GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference) and other orthodox Anglican provinces around the world.
“We stand firm in our call to uphold biblical faith, and we will not compromise with churches that embrace unbiblical innovations,” the statement emphasised.
The Church concluded by warning members to avoid any ministry cooperation or liturgical engagement with the Church in Wales or its representatives.
