Anglican Church Bans Politicians from Pulpit Amid Rising Concerns Over Political Influence in Worship Services

Anglican Church of Nigeria Moves to Curb Political Influence in Worship: Politicians Banned from Church Pulpit After Wike’s Remarks

In a landmark move aimed at preserving the sanctity of Christian worship and discouraging the politicization of religious spaces, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued a directive banning politicians and public officials from speaking on church podiums during services and worship events. The decision, which was officially announced following an Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State, reflects growing concerns within the Church and among its followers about the increasing use of religious platforms to advance partisan political interests. The new directive comes just days after a controversial appearance by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during a thanksgiving service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja. Wike’s remarks, laced with politically charged statements and criticisms of opposition figures, raised alarms about the extent to which politics is encroaching into the spiritual life of the Church.

In a detailed memo signed by the Most Revd Dr. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Anglican Communion reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to spiritual neutrality, non-partisanship, and the centrality of the Gospel in all its religious activities.
According to the memo, the pulpit, traditionally regarded as a sacred platform reserved solely for the reading and preaching of God’s Word, must never be used as a stage for political speeches, personal attacks, or partisan propaganda.

“The Church must diligently avoid speeches, conduct, or events that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ,” the Primate stated.

This policy, according to Church officials, is not only a reaction to recent events but also a proactive step towards safeguarding the spiritual integrity of the Church amid Nigeria’s highly volatile political climate.
The Church’s updated policy outlines several key measures designed to reinforce the boundary between faith and politics:
1) Total ban on politicians speaking from the pulpit: No political officeholder, whether elected or appointed, is allowed to deliver speeches from the church lectern or altar during services.
2) Prohibition of praise or endorsement of politicians during worship: Church leaders, priests, and lay officials are cautioned against publicly commending politicians in a manner that could be interpreted as political endorsement.
3) Pulpit reserved exclusively for preaching and reading the Bible: The lectern, which represents the voice of God in Anglican liturgy, must not be used for secular addresses.
4) Clear communication of the church’s apolitical stance to politicians: All government officials attending services must be informed of the church’s non-partisan position.
5) Restriction of political symbols and activities within church premises: Campaign slogans, party anthems, and political imagery are strictly forbidden in any church-sponsored gathering.

The directive was widely interpreted as a response to the controversy stirred by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s remarks during a recent Anglican thanksgiving event. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent political figure in Nigeria, had attended the service to celebrate the completion of key infrastructure projects under his tenure. However, his speech quickly veered into a political tirade.

In his address, Wike accused the Anglican Church of nearly making a “costly mistake” in the 2023 general elections by allegedly supporting a candidate he described as unfit to lead. He singled out Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, saying emphatically that Obi would “never be president of Nigeria.”

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and took jabs at previous administrations, insinuating that Nigeria had only just begun to experience real leadership under Tinubu’s watch. These statements were met with mixed reactions. While some congregants applauded the minister’s boldness, others expressed deep concern over the politicization of the altar and the disrespect shown toward alternative political views, especially within a house of worship.

The Anglican Church’s decision has sparked widespread conversation on social media, religious forums, and news outlets. Many Nigerians, both Anglican members and those from other Christian denominations, have praised the Church for drawing a firm line between faith and politics.
Social commentator and devout Christian Chinedu Ibe posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“This is the boldness we need from our churches. Too many politicians have turned our altars into political battlegrounds. Thank you, Anglican Church, for restoring the sanctity of the pulpit.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that many churches in Nigeria have, over time, become platforms where political candidates launch campaigns, seek endorsements, and manipulate worshippers for electoral gain. While the Anglican Church’s position is clear, the decision has also raised important questions about how churches should engage with government and politics in a constructive but non-partisan manner. Historically, religious institutions in Nigeria have played critical roles in nation-building, providing social services, influencing public morals, and even acting as mediators during political crises. However, the challenge lies in doing so without compromising the Church’s spiritual mission or alienating its members along political lines.
The Church’s memo reflects this delicate balance:

“The Church remains committed, under God, to being the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” the Primate emphasized, citing Matthew 5:13–14. “We shall continue to constructively engage government on issues of national concern while staying rooted in our divine calling.”

Dr. Adaobi Okonkwo, a professor of Religious Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, noted that the Anglican Church’s move could become a model for other denominations:

“What the Anglican Communion has done is reclaim the pulpit for what it was meant to be a platform for spiritual nourishment, not political theater. Other churches must take a cue from this.”

Human rights lawyer and activist, Barrister Mike Oboh, also applauded the move, emphasizing that religious leaders must resist the temptation to be used as tools by politicians.

“Politicians are very strategic; they know that churches command huge followership and emotional loyalty. By appearing on the pulpit, they try to legitimize themselves spiritually. The Church must guard against this,” he said.

In concluding its new directive, the Anglican Church did not just stop at banning political speeches; it also called on its priests and lay leaders to recommit themselves to preaching the Gospel and avoiding every form of distraction that could dilute the Church’s core message.
The memo encouraged repentance from past compromises, spiritual renewal, and a re-dedication to serving the people of God in truth and humility.

“We are not called to be political campaigners, but shepherds of God’s people,” the statement read.

The decision by the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, to ban politicians from the altar is more than just a policy change; it is a powerful statement about the role of faith in a society deeply entangled with political interests. As Nigeria continues to grapple with leadership challenges, corruption, and division, the Church remains one of the last moral beacons. By choosing to distance itself from partisan politics, the Anglican Church has not only protected its spiritual heritage but also set a much-needed example of integrity, discipline, and focus.
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Whether other denominations will follow suit remains to be seen, but for now, one thing is certain: the pulpit, at least within the Anglican Communion, is once again a place reserved for the voice of God, not the voices of politicians.

By PrimeLineInfo