NIGERIANS URGED TO BOYCOTT CONFERENCE

Nigerian Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma has urged his colleagues to not attend an Anglican world congress, know as The Lambeth Conference, next year unless the Church resolves its issues on gays and lesbians.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Chukwuma said that Nigerians should not attend the once-in-a-decade meeting because some elements of the Church – mainly in England the USA – have supported same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay clergy.

“The Archbishop of Canterbury should ensure that Bishops are not embarrassed by promoting same-sex marriage and also assure us of adequate security, for those of us condemning the evil act,” he said.

Facing a split within the Anglican Church, US Episcopal bishops, representing the Church in that country, agreed in September to “halt” any further ordinations of gay clergy and the blessing of same-sex unions.

The move, however, did not satisfy critical Anglican heads as being sufficient.

Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria said at the time that, “Instead of the change of heart (repentance) we sought, what we have been offered is merely a temporary adjustment in an unrelenting determination.”