The Anglican Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has made a strong decision – no more politicians will be allowed to speak on the altar during church services.
This memo rule came just one week after former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory,, FCT, Nyesom Wike held Thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja.
Wike, who was in the church give thanks for completed infrastructure projects, used the pulpit to make politically charged remarks.
He criticized the church for nearly making a “costly mistake” in the 2023 general elections attacked Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, saying he would “never be president” and made pointed comments about Nigeria’s state before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.
In a memo signed by the Primate, Henry Ndukuba, on Saturday July 12, said the decision was made during the recent episcopal consultation held in Diocese of Nike, Enugu State.
It said the guideline is to ensure that the church remains a place of worship, unity, and spiritual guidance, free from the detractions and divisions of partisan politics, and also aim to curb the increasing use of religious platforms for political messaging and protect the integrity of Christian worship.
A notable protocol is the use of church’s lectern consecration for the reading of God’s word by the visiting dignitaries, reinforcing the sacredness of church spaces.
However, many people believe the church made this decision because politicians have been using church events to gain support from the public, especially during political tensions or before elections.
By making this move, the Anglican church is sending a clear message to worshippers that the House of God is Not a stage for politics.
-9News Nigeria.
