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 the development as a grave deviation from biblical doctrine and a threat to the unity of the global Anglican Communion.

 

Rt. Rev. Vann, who publicly identifies as a lesbian, recently emerged as the head of the Anglican Church in Wales, a move that has stirred significant controversy, particularly among more conservative factions of the global Church.

 

In a statement issued by its Primate, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, the Church of Nigeria, one of the leading voices in the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON),rejected her election outright.

 

“The election of Bishop Vann is a clear revelation that many who claim to be members of the body of Christ can’t endure sound doctrine,” the statement read, referencing 2 Timothy 4:3-4.

“This marks a serious departure from biblical teaching and is a clear indication of compromise on scriptural truth.”

 

 

 

The Nigerian Church further accused Bishop Vann of being complicit in advancing the same-sex marriage agenda within the Anglican Church and vowed not to recognize her leadership.

 

“The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) will not recognize the election of Rt. Rev. Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales,” the statement said. “We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ will build His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

 

 

 

Rt. Rev. Vann, ordained in 1994 as one of the first female priests in England, has openly shared her journey, including the years she spent grappling with her sexuality. In a past interview with the UK Guardian, she noted that it was her unwavering belief in God’s call to ministry that sustained her.

 

Her election has deepened divisions within the global Anglican Church, particularly over issues surrounding same-sex relationships and marriage, which have remained a source of sharp theological and cultural tension in recent years. The controversy continues to fuel the growing divide between liberal and conservative blocs, including the formation of GAFCON, a coalition of Anglican leaders committed to upholding traditional scriptural authority