Nigerian Anglican Church Subjects Members to Oath Denouncing Homosexuality

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has introduced
a clause in its constitution subjecting members, who intend to
hold positions in church, to take an oath of allegiance to God
denouncing homosexuality. The News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) reports that the public denunciation took place in
Abuja on Sunday at St. Matthews, Maitama, during the
swearing-in of new members of the Parish Church Council
(PCC).

The Vicar of the church, Ven. Ben Idume, who administered
the oath to members of the PCC, said the church recognised
that those with such sexual orientation needed help and
counselling.

"But they would not be allowed to hold any position in
church,'' he said.

The legislation is significant because it applies to members of
the laity, clergy and house of bishops of the
church.

It also banned bisexuals from holding any church office.

The text of the vow reads:

"I declare before God and his Church that I have never
been a homosexual/bisexual or (have repented from being
homosexual/bisexual) and I vow that I will not indulge in
the practise of homosexuality/bisexuality.
"If after this oath I am involved, found to be, or profess to
be a homosexual/bisexual against the teachings of the
Holy Scriptures as contained in the Bible.

"I bring upon myself the full wrath of God and subject
myself willingly to canonical discipline as enshrined in the
constitution of the Church of Nigeria, so help me God.''

One of the oath-takers, Mr Lucky Erhaikhuemen, 43, the
Vicar's warden of the church, said two decades ago the oath
would have been of no significance in the Church of Nigeria.
"But with what is happening in Western countries and the
churches there, there is a lot a pressure on church leaders
and members here to compromise the teachings of the
church.

"The oath is a guide and warning that those in leadership
positions in the church must uphold scriptural teachings
and point to the godly part to the younger generations,''
he said.

In January, President Goodluck Jonathan signed a law
banning same-sex marriages and shows of same-sex public
affection. The law introduced a 14-year prison sentence for
people who are convicted of entering into a same-sex
marriage or civil union.

Under the law it is also an offence to administer witness or
help at a same-sex marriage ceremony. The law also forbids
people from running gay clubs, societies, processions or
meetings in Nigeria and the punishment for such acts is 10
years in prison.

The law states that such marriages or civil unions from
outside the country will be void inside the country.

Via: (NAN)