The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued guidelines for receiving politicians and government officials during church services and programmes, barring them from speaking from the pulpits.
This followed public outrage over a recent partisan outburst by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a thanksgiving service at St James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja.
Wike, who was in the church to give thanks for completed infrastructure projects, used the pulpit to make politically charged remarks.
He criticised the church for nearly making a “costly mistake” in the 2023 general elections, attacked Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, saying he would ‘never be president,’ and made pointed comments about Nigeria’s state before President Bola Tinubu took office.
In a memo signed by the primate, Henry Ndukuba, on Saturday, the church said the decision was made during the recent episcopal consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State.
It said the new guideline aims to curb the increasing use of religious platforms for political messaging and to protect the integrity of Christian worship.
The new guideline is to ensure that the church remains a place of worship, unity, and spiritual guidance, free from the distractions and divisions of partisan politics.
A notable protocol is the restriction on the use of the church’s lectern consecration for the reading of God’s word by visiting dignitaries, reinforcing the sacredness of church spaces.
It acknowledged growing concerns about the increasing use of church gatherings as platforms for political messaging, which, according to the primate, threatens to compromise the church’s neutrality and core values.
The memo, distributed to all parishes, emphasises the importance of welcoming all individuals, including public officials, while firmly maintaining the church’s non-partisan stance.
According to the guidelines, any guest expected to address the congregation must first have a discussion with church leadership to ensure appropriate conduct.
Politicians and government officials are to be clearly informed that church platforms are not to be used for partisan speeches or political propaganda.
Church leaders are also instructed to avoid any statements or actions that could be interpreted as politically biased.
Furthermore, officials are cautioned against eulogising guests in a manner that might compromise the church’s reputation or integrity.
Ndukuba reiterated the church’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that all individuals were welcome at services and events.
“However, it draws a clear line against any form of partisanship or conduct that could sow division among congregants.
“While affirming its role as a moral compass in society and its responsibility to engage with government authorities on issues affecting the faithful, the church insists that its primary mandate remains spiritual,” he said.
Ndukuba further explained that the church’s mission is to be “the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” upholding the nation in prayer and offering guidance to those in positions of authority.
