The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has issued guidelines for receiving politicians and government officials during church services and programmes, barring them from speaking from the pulpits.
The church warned against publicly praising such government figures.
A memo signed by the primate, Henry Ndukuba, on Saturday, said the decision was made during the recent episcopal consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State.
It said the new guideline aims to curb the increasing use of religious platforms for political messaging and to protect the integrity of Christian worship.
The new guideline is to ensure that the church remains a place of worship, unity, and spiritual guidance, free from the distractions and divisions of partisan politics.
A notable protocol is the restriction on the use of the churchโs lectern consecration for the reading of Godโs word by visiting dignitaries, reinforcing the sacredness of church spaces.
It acknowledged growing concerns about the increasing use of church gatherings as platforms for political messaging, which, according to the primate, threatens to compromise the churchโs neutrality and core values.
The memo, distributed to all parishes, emphasises the importance of welcoming all individuals, including public officials, while firmly maintaining the churchโs non-partisan stance.
According to the guidelines, any guest expected to address the congregation must first have a discussion with church leadership to ensure appropriate conduct.
Politicians and government officials are to be clearly informed that church platforms are not to be used for partisan speeches or political propaganda.
Church leaders are also instructed to avoid any statements or actions that could be interpreted as politically biased.
Furthermore, officials are cautioned against eulogising guests in a manner that might compromise the Churchโs reputation or integrity.
Mr Ndukuba reiterated the churchโs commitment to inclusivity, stating that all individuals were welcome at services and events.
โHowever, it draws a clear line against any form of partisanship or conduct that could sow division among congregants.
โWhile affirming its role as a moral compass in society and its responsibility to engage with government authorities on issues affecting the faithful, the church insists that its primary mandate remains spiritual,โ he said.
Mr Ndukuba further explained that the churchโs mission is to be โthe light of the world and the salt of the earth,โ upholding the nation in prayer and offering guidance to those in positions of authority.
(NAN)
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