Church of Nigeria rejects Church of England’s same-sex marriage approval
On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion officially rejected the Church of England’s approval of same-sex marriage. The rejection was made public by the Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON 2024) in Abuja.
In his remarks, Ndukuba expressed the Church’s strong disapproval of the Church of England’s decision, stating that it had “strayed from its Christian principles.” He added, “They have not only voted to endorse same-sex marriage but have also introduced liturgy celebrating this rebellion against God.”
Despite the sharp disagreement over the issue, Ndukuba emphasized that this difference in opinion does not affect the relationship between the Church of Nigeria and the Church of England. He made it clear that the two churches would continue to maintain their connections, despite differing theological views on the matter.
Ndukuba also highlighted recent consultations with leaders from the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), as well as representatives from Evangelical and Orthodox circles in the UK. These discussions were aimed at fostering a more secure and faithful spiritual environment for their ministries and missions.
The rejection of the Church of England’s stance on same-sex marriage reflects ongoing divisions within the global Anglican Communion, as various provinces take differing positions on issues related to sexuality and marriage.
