Church of Nigeria condemns England’s approval of same-sex marriage liturgy

The Church of Nigeria has condemned the recent approval of the “Living in Love and Faith Liturgy” by the General Synod of the Church of England.

The decision, taken on July 8, 2024, in York, authorises blessings for same-sex couples and allows clergy to enter into same-sex marriages, a move seen by the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion as a departure from Biblical teachings.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vote results in favour of the decision were narrow: Bishops – 22 for, 12 against, Clergy: – 99 for, 88 against; and Laity – 95 for, 91 against.

Despite the slim margin, the Church of Nigeria expressed grave concern, stating that the Church of England has chosen to “walk away from our cherished Biblical truth and teaching on marriage between man and woman; male and female,” as affirmed in Genesis 2:18–24 and Matthew 19:4-6.

Emphasising that the approval signifies a departure from the doctrinal commitments of the Anglican Church, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, accused the Church of England’s bishops of sacrificing Scriptural authority for modern cultural trends.

According to him, this jeopardises the unity and sacramental communion within the Anglican Communion.
Ndukuba warned that proceeding with the liturgy could lead to a “Broken Sacramental Communion” with the Church of Nigeria and other Anglican provinces that uphold traditional Biblical teachings.

He recalled the 2003 controversy involving the Episcopal Church (USA) and the consecration of Canon Gene Robinson, which similarly threatened the unity of the Anglican Communion.

He said that the Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC), GAFCON, and other faithful Anglicans worldwide in denouncing the approval.

The Church as a body described the decision as an “error of great magnitude” and a violation of Biblical teachings on marriage.

Commending those who opposed the decision, Ndukuba assured support and fellowship for the faithful members and parishes within the Church of England who continue to uphold Scriptural authority.

He reiterated the Church of Nigeria’s commitment to the truth and expressed hope that the truth of God would ultimately prevail over falsehood.

Ndukuba, however, prayed for the Anglicans in the Church of England, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their obedience to Christ despite the challenges posed by the recent decision.