The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has publicly condemned the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as Archbishop of Wales, describing the move as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a threat to the unity of the global Anglican Communion.
In a statement signed by the Primate of the Church, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Nigerian Anglican leadership said Bishop Vann’s election represents “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.” The statement highlights ongoing theological divisions within the Anglican Communion, particularly around issues of sexuality and doctrine.
Archbishop Ndukuba expressed concern that Bishop Vann’s appointment could damage the credibility and mission of the Anglican Church both in Wales and globally. He cited 2 Timothy 4:3–4 to argue that some church leaders are turning away from “sound doctrine.”
Referencing past controversies, Ndukuba drew parallels with the leadership of the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, who led the Episcopal Church in the United States from 2006 to 2015 and faced similar criticism from conservative Anglicans for her progressive views.
The Church of Nigeria further accused Bishop Vann of contributing to what it described as the ongoing crisis over same-sex issues in the Anglican Church. It called on the Church in Wales to return to what it defined as biblical principles, warning that failure to do so could result in the church losing its spiritual relevance.
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” the statement read.
Archbishop Ndukuba also urged Anglicans worldwide to stand with conservative theological movements, such as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which advocates for traditional interpretations of scripture.
“We believe our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” the statement concluded. “But unless there is repentance and a return to godliness, this Church risks losing its divine mandate.”
