Church of Nigeria sets boundaries for politicians in church service

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued guidelines for receiving politicians and government officials in church services and programs of the church across all its parishes.

The church handed down the guidelines at its house of Bishops’ Episcopal Consultation held at the Diocese of Nike of Enugu State.

Ndukuba

In a memo signed by the Primate of the Church, The Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, the Church outlined guidelines for welcoming politicians and government officials in church gatherings.

According to the release, the aim is to maintain the Church’s neutrality, core values, and divine mandate while welcoming all persons, including politicians and government officials.

The memo outlines specific protocols to be observed, including prior discussion with guests, informing them that the Church is not a platform for promoting partisan views, and avoiding the use of the Church’s lectern for partisan speeches.

The Church of Nigeria affirms its role within the body politic and its responsibility to engage government authorities on matters affecting the faithful and society at large. The Church remains committed to being the light of the world and the salt of the earth, upholding the nation in prayer, and offering godly counsel to those in positions of authority.

Some of the Archbishops and Bishops of the church at the Episcopal Consultation at Nike, Enugu

Specific protocols outlined by the bishops according to the release are as follows: “There must be a prior discussion with any guest who is expected to address the congregation, in order to offer appropriate guidance.

“Guests must be clearly informed that the Church is not a platform for promoting partisan views or political propaganda.

“Church leaders and officiants must refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned or sectional.

“No Church official should eulogise or exalt any guest in a manner that might bring the Church into disrepute.

“Where possible, guests should not be permitted to use the Church’s lectern when speaking, as it has been consecrated for the reading of God’s Word.

“The Church of Nigeria acknowledges its role within the body politic and affirms its responsibility to engage government authorities on matters affecting the faithful and society at large.

“The Church remains committed, under God, to being the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13–14), upholding the nation in prayer, and offering godly counsel to those in positions of authority,” the release stated.