…Says move contradicts biblical doctrine, warns of deepening spiritual crisis ABUJA, Nigeria – The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued a stern rebuke against the recent appointment of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, a declared lesbian, as the new Archbishop of Wales. The Nigerian Anglican leadership labeled the development as a “major deviation from scriptural truth” and expressed grave concerns about the unity and doctrinal integrity of the global Anglican Church. In a formal statement released by the Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Church described the election as a symbol of “spiritual corruption” and a departure from “the faith handed down to the saints.” This strong stance further highlights the widening rift within the Anglican Communion regarding theological beliefs, authority of scripture, and matters related to human sexuality. Archbishop Ndukuba cautioned that the appointment of Bishop Vann threatens the credibility and missionary effectiveness of the Anglican Church across the world. He drew a comparison to the earlier tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, the former Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. (2006–2015), who also drew sharp criticism from conservative circles due to her progressive stances. According to Ndukuba, Bishop Vann is now an active participant in the “crisis of doctrine” plaguing the Anglican Church regarding same-sex relationships. He cited 2 Timothy 4:3–4 to support his warning, saying the development reveals that “many self-identified Christians can no longer endure sound teachings.” He emphasized that if the Church in Wales fails to repent and realign itself with biblical truth, it faces the risk of becoming spiritually irrelevant. The statement urged believers across the Anglican world to dissociate from what the Nigerian Church referred to as “apostates and spiritual rebels” and to stand firm with conservative Anglican groups such as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which uphold traditional scriptural authority. “The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) categorically rejects and refuses to acknowledge the appointment of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” Ndukuba asserted. He concluded by reaffirming faith in the authority of Christ over His Church: “We believe our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. We must keep these erring churches in our prayers, reminding them that genuine repentance and holiness are the only hope. Without this, the Church in Wales will lose all spiritual relevance, and compromised leaders will not escape divine judgment.”
Discover the tragic Boxing Day shooting of Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo in southeast Nigeria. Learn about the rising insecurity and its impact on the Christian community. Gunmen Kill Catholic Priest in Southeast Nigeria on Boxing Day Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a Catholic priest from the Diocese of Nnewi, was tragically shot and killed by unidentified gunmen on December 26, 2024. The incident occurred along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway near Ihiala, in Anambra State, Nigeria, between 7 and 8 p.m., according to a statement released by Father Raphael Ezeogu, the chancellor of the diocese. Father Okonkwo, a trained pharmacist and administrator, was the manager of several institutions, including schools of nursing, midwifery, and medical laboratory services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala. His untimely death marks a somber moment for the Christian community in Nigeria. The Diocese of Nnewi has called for prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal repose of his soul. Meanwhile, local authorities, including the Anambra State Police, have yet to confirm details surrounding the incident. Rising Violence in Nigeria The killing of Father Okonkwo highlights the growing insecurity in Nigeria, where armed groups, often referred to as “bandits,” have been targeting Christians. These gangs are notorious for kidnappings, ransom demands, and violent attacks. The year 2024 has been particularly alarming, with reports indicating a rise in kidnappings of Catholic priests. In November alone, three Catholic priests were abducted and later released. Data from the Nigerian bishops’ conference revealed that between September 2022 and August 2023, 21 priests were kidnapped. Widespread Impact of Armed Gangs Beyond clergy, civilians and schoolchildren have also been frequent targets of armed groups like the Fulani militia, regarded as one of the deadliest terror organizations globally. These attacks have led to mass displacements, farmland seizures, and economic devastation for Christian farming communities. Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of Maiduguri lamented the ongoing persecution, stating, “Christians have endured rejection and suffering at the hands of extremists and the state.” Other Recent Tragedies The death of Father Okonkwo adds to a series of recent tragedies faced by the Nigerian Catholic Church. On December 21, a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja ended in a deadly stampede, killing 10 people and injuring eight. This incident, organized by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, underscored the harsh economic conditions driving desperation among Nigerians. Earlier in December, other charity events left 67 people dead, further highlighting the severe economic hardships affecting the nation. Conclusion The Boxing Day killing of Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo serves as a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity and persecution faced by Christians in Nigeria. As the country grapples with these challenges, the Catholic Church and global community continue to call for prayers, justice, and lasting solutions to ensure safety and peace for all citizens. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
