- Anglican Church Bars Politicians From Pulpit Over Wike’s Remarks
- New directive follows backlash over FCT Minister Wike’s pulpit speech
- Clerics warned against praising political officeholders
By Grateful Ogunjebe
The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has banned politicians and public officials from speaking on the altar during church services.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the directive was issued in a memo signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, amid growing concern over the politicisation of religious platforms.
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The Church stated that political speeches or endorsements have no place on the lectern, which is meant solely for the reading of God’s Word.
“No guest should be allowed to speak from the lectern,” the memo read. “The Church must diligently avoid conduct or events that may incite division or foster political bias within the body of Christ.”
Clerics were also warned against praising political officeholders in a way that could compromise the Church’s values or damage its reputation.
According to the Church, allowing politicians to speak during services may expose congregations to propaganda and erode the Church’s spiritual mission.
It stressed that while public officials are welcome to attend church services, the pulpit is not a political stage.
This development follows the backlash over comments made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, during a thanksgiving service.
Wike, who had come to give thanks for completed infrastructure projects, reportedly used the altar to make politically charged statements.
Human rights lawyer, Barr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described Wike’s speech as “shameful and sacrilegious.”
“I watched with profound shock and dismay the now-viral video capturing another appalling display of national disgrace,” Ejiofor said.
The Church said it remains open to engaging the government on national matters but will do so in line with its spiritual mandate.
It cited Matthew 5:13–14, reaffirming its mission to be “the light of the world and the salt of the earth.”
Church leaders were reminded to maintain strict neutrality and avoid aligning themselves with any political party or officeholder.
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