The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has made it clear that it remains opposed to same-sex marriage.
Bishop Godwin Robinson of Lafia Diocese made the announcement on Saturday during the Bishop’s Charge at the 8th Synod of the Diocese. At the event which was held at Mt. Zion Anglican Church in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, Bishop Robinson told the congregation that the church remained committed to the belief that same-sex marriage goes against the teachings of scripture.
The Bishop in his sermon explains the position of the Church of Nigeria on global matters, updating those present on the outcome of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in Kigali, Rwanda from April 17-21 this year. According to himThe position of the Church of Nigeria on same-sex marriage was against that of both the Church of England and the Episcopal Church in the United States. Some Anglican Churches in Asia and Africa, such as the Global South Fellowship, also oppose same-sex marriage.
At the event themed “Arise and Shine”, as taken from the book of Isaiah, Chapter 60:1, the bishop made it clear that the Church of Nigeria stood by Resolution 1:10 of Lambeth 1998, “which affirmed marriage as a lifelong union between a man and a woman stating clearly that same-sex marriage is wrong.” He added, “Homosexual practices are incompatible with scripture.”
The GAFCON conference according to the bishop was attended by 1,302 delegates from 52 countries, who spoke as one in opposition to same-sex unions. Other commitments made during the conference included a pledge to youth and children ministry, employing discipleship to prepare them for the ministry, demonstrating the compassion of Christ through GAFCON Mercy Ministries, and so on.
The Vicar of Mt. Zion Anglican Church and the Canon of Lafia Diocese, Rev. Canon Okwuchukwu, noted that the Synod was significant, not only for the church but also for addressing issues affecting society and the entire country. The church must involve itself in social matters, he said, because what affects the society also affects the church, “and the church should not be left out in the nation-building.”
Synod Local Organising Committee Chairman, Mr. Isaiah Aronokhale added that the significance of this type of meeting is that it enables the heads of the church to come together to discuss challenges facing them. He also expressed the belief that the Church has a role to play in moving the nation forward.
