In a decisive move to preserve the sanctity of worship, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has announced a ban on politicians and public officials speaking from the pulpit during church services.
The new directive, part of a broader effort to shield Christian gatherings from political influence, was outlined in a memo signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba.
It was issued during the Episcopal Consultation in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu.
According to the Church, the increasing politicisation of religious events threatens to compromise its spiritual mission and foster division within congregations.
“The Church must diligently avoid speeches, conduct, or events that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ,” the memo stated.
The memo emphasized that clergymen and church leaders must not lavish praise on political figures in ways that could tarnish the Church’s image or suggest partisan leanings.
The Church also warned that politicians should not use the church as a platform for promoting their agendas.
“Church leaders and officiants must refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned or sectional,” the memo added.
One of the specific measures outlined is the restriction of all guest speakers especially politicians and government officials from speaking at the lectern, which the Church has reserved solely for the reading of Scripture.
Despite these restrictions, the Church made it clear that politicians are still welcome to attend services and events, so long as they do so in a personal capacity.
“The Church remains committed, under God, to being the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” the memo read, referencing Matthew 5:13–14.
The Church further reaffirmed its intention to engage government on national matters without straying from its spiritual mission.
This firm stance follows a recent controversy involving FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who caused a stir during a thanksgiving service at St James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja.
Wike had attended the service to express gratitude for completed infrastructure projects, but his speech quickly turned political.
He sharply criticized the Church for nearly making what he called a “costly mistake” during the 2023 elections.
He also launched a verbal attack on Labour Party’s Peter Obi, declaring “He would never be president.”
Wike went on to comment on Nigeria’s condition before President Bola Tinubu assumed office, drawing backlash from several quarters for turning a religious service into a political forum.
