The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has openly rejected the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales, describing it as a "serious departure from biblical teaching" and a threat to the unity of the global Anglican Communion.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Church condemned the development as evidence of “spiritual decadence” and “outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.”
Archbishop Ndukuba stated that Bishop Vann’s elevation undermines the mission and global credibility of the Anglican Church and warned that it could hamper evangelism and mission work. Drawing parallels with the controversial tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori—former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States—Ndukuba said such liberal appointments continue to cause doctrinal divisions within the Communion.
“The recent election of Bishop Vann is a clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine,” he said, quoting 2 Timothy 4:3–4.
The Primate accused the Church in Wales of contributing to the “ongoing crisis” within the Anglican fold regarding same-sex issues. He warned that without repentance and a return to scriptural fidelity, the Church in Wales risks spiritual irrelevance.
The Church of Nigeria further called on global Anglicans to align with conservative platforms such as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which uphold traditional biblical values.
“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba declared.
He concluded with a call to prayer, emphasizing repentance and godliness: “We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it... Otherwise, this Church will lose complete relevance in the divine scheme for the people of Wales.”
