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In a dramatic escalation of doctrinal tensions within the global Anglican Communion, the Church of Nigeria has severed all relations with the Church in Wales following the election of Bishop Cherry Vann — an openly lesbian cleric — as the 15th Archbishop of Wales.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, announced the break on Monday, October 6, 2025 during the opening session of the 14th Conference of Chancellors, Registrars, and Legal Officers of the Church, held in Abuja under the theme “Called as a Watchman” (Ezekiel 33:7).

Describing Vann’s election as “an abomination” and “a grave departure from biblical truth,” Ndukuba declared unequivocally:

“We reject the election of the Right Reverend Cherry Vann as Archbishop of Wales. Just as we did after the consecration of Gene Robinson in the United States in 2003, the Church of Nigeria is now severing every tie and relationship with the Church of Wales.”

Vann, who has served as Bishop of Monmouth for five years, made headlines when she spoke openly about her three-decade relationship with her partner, Wendy Diamond. Her elevation to the primacy of the Welsh Church on July 30, 2025, has since sparked outrage among conservative Anglicans worldwide.

Ndukuba condemned what he called “revisionist teachings” infiltrating parts of the Western church, accusing their proponents of “intensifying an evil agenda.”

“What they call wisdom and culture is an abomination to God,” he thundered.

While breaking ties with Wales, the Church of Nigeria pledged unwavering support to orthodox believers through the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) and other platforms.

“We pray the faithful in Wales will stand firm. We, alongside GAFCON, will stand with them,” the Primate affirmed.

Ndukuba also announced an ambitious expansion of the Church’s global mission, revealing new registration efforts in Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. “We believe the Lord is calling us back to Europe for mission,” he said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to defending orthodox Anglicanism, the Primate disclosed a $2.5 million contribution to the GAFCON Endowment Fund and the creation of a separate $2.3 million Nigerian GAFCON Endowment to support global mission work.

On internal matters, Ndukuba urged the Church’s legal officers to act as “watchmen” in safeguarding its doctrine, governance, and legal foundations, calling for active participation in constitutional reforms — both within the Church and in Nigeria’s national framework.

“You defend the Church against all forms of aggression. Listen to God, speak His truth in love, and fulfill your duty in obedience,” he charged.

The annual legal conference brings together leading lawyers and ecclesiastical jurists from across the Church of Nigeria to deliberate on matters of doctrine, justice, governance, and canon law.

With this decisive move, Africa’s largest Anglican province has once again drawn a sharp line in the sand over questions of sexuality and biblical authority — a rift that is certain to deepen divisions across the global Communion.