Following the backlash that trailed the ‘Projects Completion Thanks Giving’ Service held in honour of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has outrightly banned the use of its Church altars and pulpits nationwide for political speeches.
The national leadership of the Church which announced the decision in a memo, warned that that it would no longer tolerate the use of its sacred spaces for political grandstanding.
The memo which was signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, and released during the Episcopal Consultation held on Friday in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State, stated that the policy takes immediate effect.
It was gathered that the new policy comes in the wake of public outrage over Nyesom Wike’s appearance at St. James Church, Asokoro, Abuja, last Sunday, during which he turned the church service particularly the pulpit to a political rostrum where he pointedly attacked his perceived political opponents including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Similarly, the presiding Vicar at the service, Venerable Ben Idume, rained praises on Wike as well as lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Wike as FCT Minister.
However, the development sparked serious criticisms from the public and commentators, just as the anchors of Arise Television programme; ‘Morning Show’ pointedly accused Wike and Idume of desecrating the church by turning the service into a political rally.
Concerned over the event, the national leadership of the Anglican Church, noted the increasing use of church services as political platforms,” and stressed that such practices risk compromising the integrity of Christian worship.
The Church leadership therefore emphasised the Church’s commitment to inclusivity and engagement with society as well as stressed the importance of neutrality and upholding the sanctity of worship.
The memo further stated that the Church remains open to all persons, including politicians and government officials, in both its services and other programmes, adding however, that the Church must not engage in or promote partisanship,” and must avoid conduct or events that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ.
The Church therefore directed that all guests expected to address the congregation must first be briefed and guided appropriately, stressing that politicians must be clearly informed that the Church is not a platform for promoting partisan views or political propaganda.
The memo warned Clergy and church leaders to refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned.
The memo further stated; “No Church official should eulogise or exalt any guest in a manner that might bring the Church into disrepute.
“Guests, where possible, should not speak from the Church’s lectern as it has been consecrated for the reading of God’s Word,” it directed.
The Anglican Communion Church affirmed its responsibility to engage government authorities on matters affecting the faithful and society, but insisted that such engagements must not compromise its spiritual mandate.
The new policy of the Anglican Church in Nigeria marked a significant shift in how it will from now hence, relate with political figures during religious events, as well as ensured that places of worship remain neutral and focused on spiritual edification.
