Anglican Church bars political rhetoric in services

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has given an order restraining the use of its pulpits and platforms for political rhetoric.

The church, through its director of communication, Korede Akintunde, in a memo shared on social media, said it had unveiled new guidelines for all parishes on how to receive politicians and public figures.

The order, dated July 11, followed an episcopal consultation held in the diocese of Nike, Enugu state, and was signed by the primate of the Anglican Church, Henry Ndukuba.

The order reportedly comes following the comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on July 6 at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, during a thanksgiving service to mark the completion of projects commissioned by President Bola Tinubu.

The minister, at the event reportedly aimed at the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying the former Anambra governor’s time has passed and suggesting that Nigerians follow him without knowing who he is.

While affirming its openness to all people regardless of political affiliation, the church said the pulpit must not be used for partisan statements.