The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has banned politicians and government officials from speaking on church podiums during services.
It announced the development in a memo signed by the Most Revd Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria. The strict new guidelines reaffirmed the church’s commitment to neutrality and avoiding political partisanship.
The Church also warned against publicly praising such figures.
The directives were announced during the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu.
The Church acknowledged growing concerns about politicising religious gatherings, which could threaten its core values and divine mission.
“The Church must diligently avoid speeches, conduct, or events that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ,” the memo stated.
Among the key guidelines are a ban on church leaders praising or glorifying political figures in ways that could damage the Church’s reputation.
It also stated that politicians and government officials must be told clearly that the Church is not a stage for promoting partisan opinions or political propaganda.
“Church leaders and officiants must refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned or sectional,” the memo added.
The Church further stressed that no guest should be allowed to speak from the lectern, which has been set aside for the reading of God’s Word.
However, it clarified that politicians and government officials are still welcome to attend services and Church programmes.
This move comes just a week after Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, caused controversy during a thanksgiving service at St James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja.