Nigeria Church condemns England’s same-sex marriage approval

The Church of Nigeria has condemned the Church of England’s recent approval of the “Living in Love and Faith Liturgy,” which authorizes blessings for same-sex marriage and permits clergy to enter into same-sex marriages.

The decision, taken on July 8, 2024, in York, has been criticized by the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion as a significant departure from Biblical teachings.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vote results were narrowly in favour: 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.

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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. He 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.

Ndukuba 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 reaffirmed the Church of Nigeria’s solidarity with the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC), GAFCON, and other faithful Anglicans worldwide in denouncing the approval.

The Church of Nigeria described the approval of same-sex marriage as an “error of great magnitude” and a violation of Biblical teachings on marriage. Ndukuba commended those who opposed the decision and assured support 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 also 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.