Anglican Church Slams Pulpit Shut: Politicians Banned After Wike’s Fiery Thanksgiving Rant

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has officially prohibited politicians and government officials from addressing congregants from church podiums during services.

This directive was conveyed in a memo signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Revd Henry Ndukuba, and underscores the Church’s firm stance on maintaining political neutrality and avoiding partisanship within its sacred spaces.

The announcement came during the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu. In the memo, the Church also cautioned against the public glorification or excessive praise of political figures during religious events.

Highlighting growing unease over the increasing politicization of religious gatherings, the Church warned that such trends threaten its core mission and unity.

“The Church must steer clear of actions, language, or events that could sow discord or signal political favoritism within the body of Christ,” the memo emphasized.

Key among the new policies is a firm instruction that no political figure should be praised in a manner that could undermine the Church’s integrity or message. Furthermore, politicians and public officials must be informed that the Church is not a platform for advancing political agendas.

“Church leaders must avoid remarks or actions that could be interpreted as aligning with any political group or region,” the memo added.

The Church also made it clear that the lectern—reserved solely for the reading of Scripture—must not be used by any guest, regardless of status.

Nonetheless, the Church reaffirmed that politicians and government officials remain welcome at services and church-related programmes, provided they do not assume speaking roles.

This sweeping decision follows a recent incident involving FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whose controversial remarks during a thanksgiving service at St James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, drew widespread criticism.