The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has announced it is severing ties with the Church in Wales following the election of Bishop Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as Archbishop of Wales.
The decision was made public through an official statement dated August 3, 2025, and signed by the Primate, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba.
“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, the election represents a serious breach of biblical teaching on sexuality and leadership within the Anglican tradition.
“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,” Primate Ndukuba declared.
The Church of Nigeria also stated that it is placing the Church in Wales in a “state of impaired communion,” meaning no official fellowship, worship, or ministry partnership will continue between them.
“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 of Nigeria likened this move to its past withdrawal from the U.S. Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, citing similar doctrinal departures.
“The Church in Wales has chosen to walk in the path of spiritual ruin,” Ndukuba said, adding that such choices “undermine the witness and mission of the Church.”
He also reaffirmed the Church of Nigeria’s allegiance to GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference) and other orthodox Anglican provinces around the world.
“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 warning members to avoid any ministry cooperation or liturgical engagement with the Church in Wales or its representatives.
