Nigerian Anglicans Reject New Welsh Archbishop Over Same Sex Stance

The Church of Nigeria has openly rejected the appointment of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as the new Archbishop of Wales, citing her sexuality as a clear departure from biblical doctrine.

The Nigerian Anglican leadership declared that her election represents a break from traditional Christian values and could deepen divisions within the global Anglican community.

The response came in a statement issued by the Nigerian Primate, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, who described the development as a serious concern for the faith. He argued that the decision undermines the message of the Church and threatens its spiritual foundation. For the Nigerian Church, such a move could discourage evangelism and weaken the Anglican Communion’s shared moral framework.

The Church expressed fear that promoting liberal views on sexuality could accelerate what it sees as a moral and spiritual decline across Anglican provinces. Archbishop Ndukuba pointed to earlier controversies involving other Anglican leaders who supported same-sex issues, warning that the Church is now witnessing a repeat of those divisive decisions. He linked this situation to the leadership of former Episcopal Church head Katherine Jefferts Schori, whose tenure sparked similar criticism from conservatives.

Bishop Vann, who is openly lesbian, was elected by the Church in Wales, a decision welcomed by progressives but opposed by traditionalists. Nigerian Anglican authorities insist that the choice reflects a Church straying from the teachings of Scripture and that the global body must decide whether to uphold biblical truth or embrace what they called spiritual compromise.

The Church of Nigeria urged Anglicans around the world to distance themselves from what it termed doctrinal rebellion. It called on faithful Christians to stand with groups like the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which promotes conservative values and a traditional reading of the Bible. Leaders within the Nigerian Church argued that unless the Church in Wales returns to what they described as sound doctrine, it risks losing its place in the global Christian mission.

They warned that continued tolerance for liberal theological decisions could make parts of the Church spiritually irrelevant. Despite their disapproval, they said they would continue to pray for those involved, insisting that hope remains only through repentance and a return to godliness.