The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has released guidelines on how politicians and government officials should be received during church services and programmes, as part of efforts to maintain the sanctity and neutrality of Christian worship.
The directive was issued by the Primate of the Church, Most Revd Henry Ndukuba, during the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu.
According to the Church, via a memo on Friday by the Director of Communication, Korede Akintunde, the guidelines became necessary following growing concerns about the increasing use of church gatherings as platforms for political statements, which risk undermining the core purpose of worship.
“The church remains open to all persons, including politicians and government officials.
“However, the church must not engage in or promote partisanship,” the memo stated.
The church emphasised that any guest expected to address the congregation must first have a prior discussion with church leadership to offer appropriate guidance.
“Guests are to be informed clearly that the church is not a platform for advancing partisan views or political propaganda.
“Church leaders and officiants must refrain from making statements or behaving in ways that could be construed as politically aligned or sectional.
“No church official should eulogise or exalt any guest in a manner that might bring the church into disrepute.
“Where possible, guests should not be permitted to use the church’s lectern when speaking, as it has been consecrated for the reading of God’s Word,” the statement read.
While affirming its responsibility to engage with government authorities on issues affecting the people and the nation, the church reiterated its commitment to being a moral compass for society.
“The church remains committed, under God, to being the light of the world and the salt of the earth.
“We will continue to uphold the nation in prayer and offer godly counsel to those in positions of authority,” Ndukuba stated.
