The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued new guidelines prohibiting politicians and government officials from speaking from the pulpits during church services and programmes.
This decision comes after public outrage regarding a recent partisan outburst by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a thanksgiving service at St James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja.
Wike, who was celebrating completed infrastructure projects, used the pulpit to deliver 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 Tinubu took office.
In a memo signed by Primate Henry Ndukuba on Saturday, the church stated that these guidelines were established during a recent episcopal consultation in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State.
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The new directives aim to curb the increasing use of religious platforms for political messaging and to protect the integrity of Christian worship.
The goal is to ensure the church remains a place of worship, unity, and spiritual guidance, free from the distractions and divisions of partisan politics.
A notable protocol is the restriction on the use of the church’s lectern consecration for the reading of God’s word by visiting dignitaries, reinforcing the sacredness of church spaces.
The church acknowledged growing concerns about the increasing use of church gatherings as platforms for political messaging, which, according to the primate, threatens to compromise the church’s neutrality and core values.
The memo, distributed to all parishes, emphasizes welcoming all individuals, including public officials, while firmly maintaining the church’s non-partisan stance.
According to the guidelines, any guest expected to address the congregation must first discuss with church leadership to ensure appropriate conduct.
Politicians and government officials are to be clearly informed that church platforms are not to be used for partisan speeches or political propaganda.
Church leaders are also instructed to avoid any statements or actions that could be interpreted as politically biased. Furthermore, officials are cautioned against eulogizing guests in a manner that might compromise the church’s reputation or integrity.
Ndukuba reiterated the church’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that all individuals were welcome at services and events.
“However, it draws a clear line against any form of partisanship or conduct that could sow division among congregants.”
He further stated, “While affirming its role as a moral compass in society and its responsibility to engage with government authorities on issues affecting the faithful, the church insists that its primary mandate remains spiritual.”
Ndukuba explained that the church’s mission is to be “the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” upholding the nation in prayer and offering guidance to those in positions of authority.
