Nigerian Anglicans condemn election of female lesbian Archbishop of Wales

…Describes election as serious departure from biblical teaching

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has strongly condemned the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the Archbishop of Wales, describing it as a “serious departure from biblical teaching” and a threat to the unity of the global Anglican Communion.

In a statement signed by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Nigerian Church said the election of Bishop Vann signaled “spiritual decadence” and “an outright abandonment of the faith once delivered to the saints.” The statement reflects growing tensions within the global Anglican body over questions of sexuality, theology, and ecclesiastical authority.

Ndukuba and Vann

Archbishop Ndukuba warned that Bishop Vann’s elevation could severely undermine the credibility and mission of the Anglican Church, not only in Wales but across the Communion. “The recent election of Bishop Vann is a clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ cannot endure sound doctrine,” he said, citing 2 Timothy 4:3–4.

Cherry Vann, 66, made history on July 30, 2025, as the first woman and openly lesbian cleric to lead the Church in Wales. With over three decades of experience in the church, Vann was elected as the Archbishop of Wales, marking a significant milestone for the Anglican Communion.

She has been serving as Bishop of Monmouth since 2020 and was one of the pioneering women ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994. Vann’s appointment has sparked controversy among conservative Anglican communities due to her civil partnership with Wendy, reflecting broader debates within the church on inclusivity and same-sex relationships.

Archbishop Schori

However, Primate Ndukuba while drawing historical parallels referenced the tenure of Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, who led the Episcopal Church in the United States between 2006 and 2015 and was similarly criticized by conservative factions for her progressive stance.

The Church of Nigeria further accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in the “ongoing crisis” surrounding same-sex issues in the Anglican Church. It warned that unless the Church in Wales repents and returns to what it termed “biblical teachings,” it risks losing spiritual relevance altogether.

In a firm declaration, Ndukuba stated: “The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) condemns, unequivocally rejects, and will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales.”

As the liberal Anglicans have hailed Vann’s election as a historic step for gender and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning(LGBTQ+) inclusion, conservative Anglican networks such as Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), and the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches(GSFA) have denounced the move, warning that it undermines the credibility of the church’s mission.

Ndukuba called on global Anglicans to reject what the Church described as “rebels” and “apostates,” urging them instead to align with conservative bodies such as GAFCON known for defending traditional scriptural positions.

“We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. We should hold them in our prayers with a clear message that hope lies only in true repentance and godliness. Otherwise, this Church will lose complete relevance in the divine scheme for the people of Wales, and the leaders in compromise shall not be spared in the time of judgment,” the statement concluded.

As preparations for enthronement of Archbishop Vann continue, the Anglican Communion faces renewed divisions on interpretation of scripture. It will be recalled that the Church in Wales permits clergy to enter same-sex civil partnerships but not marriages—a stance that remains a source of contention.Archbishop John

Vann’s election follows the resignation of Archbishop Andrew John earlier this year over governance concerns.