…Bars Pastors Against Eulogizing Politicians
By Barikui Felix
Concerned about the growing trend of using church platforms for political speeches, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued official guidelines restricting political engagements during church services and programmes across all its parishes.
In a memo signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Revd Dr. Henry Ndukuba, during the Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu, the Church expressed its disapproval over the increasing use of worship spaces for political messaging, warning that such practices risk compromising the sanctity and integrity of Christian worship.
The Church, while affirming its openness to all people, including politicians and government officials, emphasized that its gatherings must remain free of partisanship and political bias. The newly released directive aims to maintain neutrality while preserving the Church’s divine mandate and inclusive values.
The move builds upon earlier actions by the Niger Delta Province of the Church, led by Archbishop Blessing Enyindah, who earlier this year directed all churches within the province to refrain from allowing politicians to use church services as campaign platforms.
In his memo, Ndukuba also instructed pastors to desist from eulogising guests or politicians during services. According to him, the Church must not engage in conduct or rhetoric that incites division or fosters partisanship among its members.
The guidelines stipulate that any guest expected to address the congregation must first be briefed appropriately. Guests must be clearly informed that the Church is not a platform for political propaganda, and church leaders must avoid any action or statement that could suggest political alignment.
It further warned that no Church official should praise or exalt any guest in a manner that could compromise the Church’s reputation. In addition, guests should, where possible, not be allowed to use the Church’s lectern, which is consecrated for the reading of God’s Word.
While acknowledging its prophetic role in society, the Church of Nigeria reiterated its commitment to engaging government authorities on matters that concern believers and the broader public.
The memo concluded by reaffirming the Church’s mission to remain the light of the world and the salt of the earth, offering prayers and godly counsel to those in leadership while preserving the sacredness of its worship spaces.
