CHURCH OF NIGERIA REJECTS ELECTION OF OPENLY LESBIAN ARCHBISHOP IN WALES. (PHOTO).

 Church of Nigeria Rejects Election of Openly Lesbian Archbishop in Wales

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has publicly rejected the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as the new Archbishop of Wales, citing her openly lesbian identity as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a threat to the unity of the global Anglican Communion. The condemnation was issued in a statement by the Church’s Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, on Monday, August 4, 2025.

In the statement, Ndukuba described Vann’s election as evidence of a broader issue within the Anglican Communion, referencing 2 Timothy 4:3–4 to argue that “many who claim to be members of the body of Christ can’t endure sound doctrine.” The Church accused Bishop Vann of contributing to the ongoing crisis surrounding same-sex marriage within the Anglican Church, further straining relations among its global members.

“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared. “We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

The statement reflects ongoing tensions within the global Anglican Communion over issues of sexuality and doctrine, with the Church of Nigeria maintaining a conservative stance. Vann’s election as Archbishop of Wales has sparked significant debate, with some factions supporting her appointment as a step toward inclusivity, while others, including the Church of Nigeria, view it as a violation of traditional biblical teachings.

The Church in Wales has not yet responded to the statement from the Church of Nigeria. The controversy surrounding Vann’s election is likely to intensify discussions about the future of unity within the Anglican Communion as differing theological perspectives continue to clash.