Anglican Communion disowns Church of England over decision on same sex marriage
Primate of the Anglican Communion, Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, distances the Church of Nigeria from the Church of England’s stance on same-sex marriage while maintaining cordial ties. This follows Justin Welby’s resignation amid sex abuse report controversies.
Primate of the Anglican Communion, Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has disowned the Anglican Church of England over its position, allowing same sex marriage, saying that the mother church had rebelled against God.
Ndukuba made the position of the Church of Nigeria known at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Divine Commonwealth Conference, DIVCCON 2024, in Abuja Tuesday.
He, however, noted that, despite the denounciation and the fact that the Church of Nigeria might have contrary views in certain sensitive matters, the cordial relationship of the Church of Nigeria with the Church of England remained intact
The primate spoke against the backdrop of the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, following allegations of poor management of sex abuse reports in the church arising from the publication of the Makin Review, which exposed the Church of England’s mishandling of historic abuse allegations involving John Smyth.
However, the conference with the theme “Peace Be Still,’ was taken from the Gospel of St. Mark 4:35 – 41,” and aimed at creating hope for the church as well as interceding for Nigeria as a country.
The Church of Nigeria also urged the Federal Government to channel the funds being spent on palliatives to construct industries, pointing out that investing in industrialisation would create jobs for the youths.
Commenting on same-sex marriage, Ndukuba said: “The Church of England has derailed in faith. They have not only voted to approve same-sex marriage, but the liturgy for the celebration of such rebellion against God.
“A few weeks ago, we were in the UK with other Global Anglican Future Conference, GAFCON, leaders to consult with the Alliance and other Evangelical and Orthodox leaders of the Church to encourage them and work with them to have a safe and faithful spiritual Home to continue their Mission and Ministry of the Kingdom of God.
“The Church of Nigeria will stand and work with GAFCON to uphold Biblical Orthodoxy and Faithfulness in proclamation of the Gospel and maintaining our cherished Anglican Heritage. On these, there is no turning back.
“When evil seems to prevail, many people grapple with the idea of God being in control of the world. Beloved in Christ, God is still in control of the work of His hands. He has not abdicated His responsibility to humans. He is sovereign and rules in the affairs of men. We must maintain a firm faith that God is in complete control, even in the face of evil.
“Our faith provides comfort and assurance that God’s goodness will prevail, even when the world seems chaotic. Challenges and adversity are part of the fire of the furnace to burn off the chaff in our lives as believers. Adversity serves as God’s means for spiritual growth and maturity. It strengthens our faith, builds our character, and draws us closer to God.”
He further noted that DIVCCON was the Church of Nigeria’s Annual Conference in which they come as God’s people and servants to share in fellowship, prayer and the word of the God for renewed faith, hope and love as they live and serve the LORD.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Ndukuba said that revitalising moribund textiles and other industries as well as establishing new ones across the six geo-political zones could reduce economic hardship.
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended the Anglican Communion for its continued role in fostering unity, faith and hope within the Christian community across the country.
Okoh was represented on the occasion by
Reverand Princewill Ireoba. He explained that the conference theme came at the right time to raise the hope of God’s people especially as Nigeria is faced with numerous challenges.
Commenting on same-sex marriage, Ndukuba said: “The Church of England has derailed in faith. They have not only voted to approve same-sex marriage, but the liturgy for the celebration of such rebellion against God.
“A few weeks ago, we were in the UK with other Global Anglican Future Conference, GAFCON, leaders to consult with the Alliance and other Evangelical and Orthodox leaders of the Church to encourage them and work with them to have a safe and faithful spiritual Home to continue their Mission and Ministry of the Kingdom of God.
“The Church of Nigeria will stand and work with GAFCON to uphold Biblical Orthodoxy and Faithfulness in proclamation of the Gospel and maintaining our cherished Anglican Heritage. On these, there is no turning back.
“When evil seems to prevail, many people grapple with the idea of God being in control of the world. Beloved in Christ, God is still in control of the work of His hands. He has not abdicated His responsibility to humans. He is sovereign and rules in the affairs of men. We must maintain a firm faith that God is in complete control, even in the face of evil.
“Our faith provides comfort and assurance that God’s goodness will prevail, even when the world seems chaotic. Challenges and adversity are part of the fire of the furnace to burn off the chaff in our lives as believers. Adversity serves as God’s means for spiritual growth and maturity. It strengthens our faith, builds our character, and draws us closer to God.”
He further noted that DIVCCON was the Church of Nigeria’s Annual Conference in which they come as God’s people and servants to share in fellowship, prayer and the word of the God for renewed faith, hope and love as they live and serve the LORD.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Ndukuba said that revitalising moribund textiles and other industries as well as establishing new ones across the six geo-political zones could reduce economic hardship.
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended the Anglican Communion for its continued role in fostering unity, faith and hope within the Christian community across the country.
Okoh was represented on the occasion by
Reverand Princewill Ireoba. He explained that the conference theme came at the right time to raise the hope of God’s people especially as Nigeria is faced with numerous challenges.
According to him, "Peace be still resonates deeply with us as Christians facing the storms of our time. We live in times of profound challenges politically, economically and socially that test our resilience and faith. Yet, it is in such storms that the Lord calls us to remember His sovereignty, to trust in His words and to know that His peace surpasses all understanding.
“Just as Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, so He stands ready to calm the storms in our lives, in our nation and in the hearts of all who seek Him. It shall be well."
Meanwhile, in a a statement on Tuesday, Welby acknowledged the extent of the church’s failures in responding to abuse cases and expressed regret over the delayed response to survivors of Smyth’s crimes.
Welby further noted the importance of institutional responsibility and expressed sorrow for the victims and survivors of abuse, emphasising his commitment to creating a safer environment within the church.
“The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth. When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.
“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.
“It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.
“I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church.” (Source: Daily Sun.)
“Just as Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, so He stands ready to calm the storms in our lives, in our nation and in the hearts of all who seek Him. It shall be well."
Meanwhile, in a a statement on Tuesday, Welby acknowledged the extent of the church’s failures in responding to abuse cases and expressed regret over the delayed response to survivors of Smyth’s crimes.
Welby further noted the importance of institutional responsibility and expressed sorrow for the victims and survivors of abuse, emphasising his commitment to creating a safer environment within the church.
“The Makin Review has exposed the long-maintained conspiracy of silence about the heinous abuses of John Smyth. When I was informed in 2013 and told that police had been notified, I believed wrongly that an appropriate resolution would follow.
“It is very clear that I must take personal and institutional responsibility for the long and retraumatising period between 2013 and 2024.
“It is my duty to honour my Constitutional and church responsibilities, so exact timings will be decided once a review of necessary obligations has been completed, including those in England and in the Anglican Communion.
“I hope this decision makes clear how seriously the Church of England understands the need for change and our profound commitment to creating a safer church.” (Source: Daily Sun.)
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