The Digest:
The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued a directive banning politicians and government officials from speaking on its church podiums during services. This move, aimed at upholding Church Neutrality and preventing political partisanship, comes just a week after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reportedly used a thanksgiving service at St James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja, to criticize political rivals.
Key Points:
- A memo signed by the Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, announced the ban, emphasizing the Church's commitment to avoiding political alignment.
- The decision follows concerns about the increasing politicization of religious gatherings, which the Church believes could undermine its core values.
- Church leaders are now prohibited from praising or glorifying political figures in ways that might harm the Church's reputation. Politicians and officials are to be informed that the church is not a platform for partisan opinions or political propaganda.
- No guest, including politicians, is permitted to speak from the lectern, which is reserved strictly for the reading of God’s Word.
- Despite the new rules, politicians and government officials are still welcome to attend church services and programmes as congregants.
- The Church reaffirmed its divine mission to be "the light of the world and the salt of the earth," as referenced in Matthew 5:13-14.
Source: Vanguard Newspaper
