Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion Issues New Guidelines on Welcoming Politicians in Services
Church Moves to Curb Political Campaigns During Worship
The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has officially released new guidelines to regulate how government officials and Nigerian Politicians are received in church during services and programmes across its parishes.
This move comes amid growing concerns that places of worship are increasingly turning to political stages during election periods, which is potentially compromising the sanctity and sanity of Christian gatherings and fellowships.
Kpomkwem News was informed that the directives were contained in a memo signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, during the recently concluded Episcopal Consultation in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State.
Why the New Protocols?
According to the Church, the guidelines were necessary to preserve the integrity of worship and ensure that the Church remains neutral, non-partisan, and faithful to its divine calling. This development follows public debates stirred by recent controversial political statements made in churches, particularly after comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a service in Abuja.
Key Directives from the Church
Outlined in the official memo, the Church emphasized the need for a welcoming but cautious approach when receiving political figures. The following key protocols are now to be observed:
1. Open Doors, But No Partisan Platform
The Church remains open to all, including politicians and government officials. However, it firmly prohibits the use of the pulpit or any church platform to promote partisan politics or political propaganda.
2. Mandatory Pre-Engagement Discussions
Any political figure or government official expected to address the congregation must first engage in discussions with church leadership. This is to ensure the guest is guided on what is appropriate to say within the sacred setting.
3. Avoidance of Division and Political Bias
Church leaders and officiants are directed to refrain from making comments or taking actions that could suggest political alignment or bias, ensuring unity within the body of Christ.
4. No Eulogies or Political Endorsements
Clergymen and church officials are prohibited from excessively praising or endorsing political guests in ways that could compromise the Church’s image and neutrality.
5. Restriction on Use of the Church Lectern
The guidelines specify that politicians and guests should, where possible, avoid speaking from the Church’s lectern, as it is consecrated for the reading and preaching of God’s Word.
Church Reaffirms Its National Role
Despite these restrictions, the Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its responsibility to engage with authorities on national issues affecting the people and the Church.
The leadership emphasized its commitment to being the light of the world and the salt of the earth as commanded in Matthew 5:13–14, while also praying for the nation and offering moral guidance to leaders.
Final Word
These measures are widely seen as a timely intervention to restore the Church’s sacred space from the clutches of political manipulation while keeping its doors open to all, irrespective of political affiliations.
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