CHURCH OF NIGERIA CONDEMNS ELECTION OF LESBIAN ARCHBISHOP CHERRY VANN AS WELSH PRIMATE. (PHOTO).

 Church of Nigeria Condemns Election of Lesbian Archbishop Cherry Vann as Welsh Primate

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has denounced the election of the Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales, calling it a departure from biblical teachings. Elected on July 30, 2025, Vann is the first woman and openly lesbian cleric to lead the Church in Wales, intensifying divisions within the global Anglican Communion.

Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba, in a statement, said the Church of Nigeria will not recognize Vann’s election, citing her civil partnership with Wendy Diamond as contrary to scriptural marriage doctrine. “This election signals a rejection of sound doctrine for a postmodern agenda,” Ndukuba stated, referencing 2 Timothy 4:3-4. He compared Vann’s appointment to past controversies, including the consecration of openly gay bishop Gene Robinson in 2003 and the tenure of Katherine Jefferts Schori.

Vann, 66, Bishop of Monmouth since 2020, was among the first women ordained in the Church of England in 1994. Her election follows Archbishop Andrew John’s resignation amid governance concerns. While liberal Anglicans celebrate the milestone, conservative groups like GAFCON and the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches condemned the move, urging a return to biblical fidelity.

The Church of Nigeria called Vann’s election a threat to Anglican mission credibility, urging faithful Anglicans to reject “heresy” and align with conservative movements. The Church in Wales permits same-sex civil partnerships but not marriages, a policy fueling ongoing tensions. As Vann’s enthronement approaches, the Anglican Communion faces deepening debates over sexuality and scripture.