The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued new guidelines restricting politicians and government officials from speaking during church services and programmes, as part of efforts to preserve the sanctity and neutrality of its worship spaces.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, and released on Saturday in Abuja. It follows decisions reached at the recent Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State.
According to the statement, the move aims to curb the growing trend of political messaging in churches and to safeguard the spiritual focus of Christian worship. The Church emphasized that while public officials are welcome at services, church platforms must not be used for partisan speeches or political propaganda.
A key element of the new policy is the restriction on allowing visiting dignitaries to use the church lectern — which is consecrated for the reading of God’s Word — reinforcing the sacredness of church spaces.
The memo, distributed to all dioceses and parishes nationwide, reiterates the Church’s non-partisan stance and urges leaders to avoid any actions or remarks that may be interpreted as political endorsement.
“Church leaders must ensure that any guest expected to address the congregation discusses this beforehand with church leadership to ensure appropriateness,” the statement said.
The guidelines also caution against excessive praise or eulogising of political figures during services, warning that such actions could compromise the Church’s integrity and undermine its prophetic role in society.
Primate Ndukuba reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that all individuals — including public office holders — are welcome to attend services. However, he stressed that “a clear line must be drawn against any form of partisanship or conduct that could sow division among worshippers.”
He added that while the Church will continue to engage with government authorities on issues affecting the people, its primary mandate remains spiritual: to serve as “the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” upholding the nation in prayer and offering moral guidance to those in leadership.
The directive comes in the wake of controversial remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, during a recent thanksgiving service at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja. During the event, Wike vowed to “teach his critics a political lesson,” drawing backlash for using the pulpit to address political grievances.
