The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially severed ties with the Church in Wales following the election of Bishop Cherry Vann—an openly lesbian cleric—as the Archbishop of Wales. The announcement was made public through a statement dated August 3, 2025, and signed by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba.
In the statement, the Church declared its refusal to recognise the leadership of Archbishop Vann, citing her appointment as a clear deviation from biblical teachings. “We do not recognise the so-called Archbishop of Wales and cannot share communion with a church that has departed from the teachings of the Bible,” the statement read.
According to the Church of Nigeria, the election of a practising lesbian as an archbishop constitutes a serious breach of both biblical doctrine and Anglican tradition concerning sexuality and church leadership. “The election of a practising lesbian as an archbishop is not only a departure from the faith once delivered to the saints, but a defiance of God’s order,” declared Primate Ndukuba.
Church of Nigeria Places Church in Wales in Impaired Communion Over Anglican Church Doctrine
As a result, the Church of Nigeria announced it is placing the Church in Wales in a “state of impaired communion,” which means all forms of official fellowship, worship, or ministry partnership between the two churches are to be halted. “In line with our commitment to the authority of Scripture and the historic Christian faith, we declare a state of impaired communion with the Church in Wales,” the statement continued.
The Church further compared its decision to previous separations from the U.S. Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, both of which it accused of similar doctrinal departures. “The Church in Wales has chosen to walk in the path of spiritual ruin,” Ndukuba stated, adding that such decisions “undermine the witness and mission of the Church.”
In reaffirming its theological stance, the Church of Nigeria also expressed its continued alignment with GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference) and other orthodox Anglican provinces globally. “We stand firm in our call to uphold biblical faith, and we will not compromise with churches that embrace unbiblical innovations,” the statement emphasised.
The Church concluded by instructing its members to avoid any form of ministry cooperation or liturgical engagement with the Church in Wales or any of its representatives.
For more in-depth coverage on global Anglican developments and other faith-based news, visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng. Stay informed—subscribe today and never miss a story that matters.
