Church Of Nigeria Frowns Against Church Of England’s Approval Of Same-Sex Marriage

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

The General Synod of the Church of England has come under condemnation from the Church of Nigeria, following its recent approval of the “Living in Love and Faith Liturgy”.

The Church of Nigeria, disapproving of the move, described it as a departure from Biblical teachings. The decision authorizes blessings for same-sex couples and allows clergy to enter into same-sex marriages.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the vote results in favor of the decision were narrow: Bishops – 22 for, 12 against; Clergy – 99 for, 88 against; and Laity – 95 for, 91 against.

The Church of Nigeria noted that the Church of England is deviating from the Biblical truth on marriage between a man and a woman, as stated in Genesis 2:18-24 and Matthew 19:4-6.

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, thereby endangering the unity and sacramental communion within the Anglican Communion.

Ndukuba cautioned that continuing with the new liturgy could result in a “Broken Sacramental Communion” with the Church of Nigeria and other Anglican provinces adhering to traditional Biblical teachings.

He referenced the 2003 incident involving the Episcopal Church (USA) and the consecration of Canon Gene Robinson, which also jeopardized the unity of the Anglican Communion.

He emphasized that the Church of Nigeria stands with the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC), GAFCON, and other committed Anglicans worldwide in condemning the approval.

The Church described this decision as a serious error and a breach of Biblical principles on marriage.

Ndukuba praised those who opposed the decision, assuring them of continued support and fellowship.

He reaffirmed the Church of Nigeria’s dedication to Biblical truth and expressed hope that divine truth would ultimately triumph over falsehood.

He also prayed for Anglicans in the Church of England, encouraging them to remain faithful to Christ despite the challenges posed by the recent decision. ‎