No More Political Speeches from the Pulpit Says Anglican Church

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has introduced sweeping new measures to distance its altars from political influence, barring politicians and government officials from speaking during worship services or using the church platform to push political narratives.

The directive, issued in a memo signed by the Primate, Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, was made public during an Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu.

Church leaders were reminded of their duty to preserve the neutrality and spiritual focus of worship, with the Primate warning against the growing trend of politicisation within religious gatherings.

“Political messages have no place in the sanctuary,” the memo stressed. “The Church must be a refuge from division, not a breeding ground for it.”

Clergy were cautioned to avoid openly praising or endorsing political figures in ways that could damage the Church’s credibility or suggest partisan leanings. In addition, all politicians and government officials are to be informed that the Church is not a platform for campaigning or political propaganda.

The Church emphasized the need for restraint, urging ministers to steer clear of comments or actions that might be seen as politically motivated or sectional.