Anglican Church Issues New Protocols for Welcoming Politicians During Services

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has issued new guidelines to regulate how politicians and government officials are received during church services and programmes. The move, church leaders say, is intended to preserve the sanctity of Christian worship and prevent the pulpit from being used as a platform for political grandstanding.

The directive was contained in a memo signed by the Primate of the Church, The Most Revd Dr Henry Ndukuba, following the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu. The Church expressed growing concern about the increasing trend of church services being turned into arenas for political showmanship.

“The Church remains open to all persons, including politicians and government officials,” the memo reads, “but it must not engage in or promote partisanship.” It stressed that the Church must resist conduct or remarks that could sow division or create the impression of political bias within the body of Christ.

To that end, the Church has outlined a set of protocols now binding across its parishes:

1. Prior engagement with political guests: Any public official or politician expected to address the congregation must first be briefed on the Church’s expectations and boundaries.
2. No political messaging: Guests must be informed that church platforms cannot be used to disseminate partisan views or campaign-style rhetoric.
3. Clergy neutrality: Church leaders are instructed to avoid statements or behaviour that may appear politically inclined or supportive of any party or candidate.
4. No excessive praise: Church officials are prohibited from unduly eulogising guests in ways that could undermine the Church’s image or neutrality.
5. Restricted use of lectern: To preserve its sacred function, the Church advises that political guests should not be allowed to speak from the lectern reserved for the reading of Holy Scripture.

While affirming its role in engaging public authorities on national and moral issues, the Church emphasised that it must remain faithful to its divine mandate and maintain an atmosphere of reverence during worship.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Church’s mission to be “the light of the world and the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13–14), committed to offering spiritual guidance and intercession for the nation and its leaders.

The press release was signed by Korede Akintunde, Director of Communication, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.