After Wike’s comments, Anglican Church bans politicians from podium
Following the controversial speech made by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, during a thanksgiving outing by the ministry, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has banned the use of churches for political speeches.
Wike was at St James Church, Asokoro, Abuja, last Sunday, during which he cast aspersions on several politicians, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, among others.
The Vicar in charge of the church, Venerable Ben Idume also went ahead to praise Wike, applauding President Bola Tinubu for making a right choice in him.
Many people were displeased with the development, accusing the priest and his guest of turning the church into a political rally.
Arise News Morning Show host, Reuben Abati went as far as accusing the duo of desecrating the church.
In an apparent reaction to the outrage that has greeted that action, the Anglican Church has now taken a tough stance.
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It made the decision in a memo signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, during the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu, on Friday.
All the Anglican Bishops from across the country attended the Episcopal Consultation.
The Church said the official guidelines regarding the reception of politicians and government officials in church services and programmes applies to all its parishes.
According to the memo, the church acknowledged concerns about the increasing use of church services as political platforms, which risk compromising the integrity of Christian worship.
The guidelines, it noted, affirmed the importance of maintaining a welcoming and respectful atmosphere while safeguarding the Church’s neutrality, core values, and divine mandate.
Key points outlined in the memo include: “The Church remains open to all persons, including politicians and government officials, in both its services and other programmes.
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“In keeping with its calling and inclusive nature, the Church must not engage in or promote partisanship.
“The Church must diligently avoid speeches, conduct, or events that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ.
Henceforth, the following protocols are to be observed:
“There must be a prior discussion with any guest who is expected to address the congregation, in order to offer appropriate guidance.
“Guests must be clearly informed that the Church is not a platform for promoting partisan views or political propaganda.
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“Church leaders and officiants must refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned or sectional.
“No Church official should eulogise or exalt any guest in a manner that might bring the Church into disrepute.
“Where possible, guests should not be permitted to use the Church’s lectern when speaking, as it has been consecrated for the reading of God’s Word.
“The Church of Nigeria acknowledges its role within the body politic and affirms its responsibility to engage government authorities on matters affecting the faithful and society at large.”
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