Nigeria Anglicans Re-Affirm Stand On Gay Marriagesa

THE Primate of Anglican Communion in Nigeria, The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, said that the communion remained “strongly’ opposed to homosexuality and gay marriages in church. Okoh said this when he led a delegation of four Bishops to the Nigerian High Commission in London.

“We have not repented from our initial stand; we remain strongly opposed to homosexuality and other anti-Christ like life in the Communion,’’ he said

He explained that though the relationship between the Church of Nigeria and the Church of England was cordial, there was still disagreement on the same sex marriage issue.

“We are still in the same extended family; we have disagreement in the area of man marrying a man and a woman marrying a woman,” he said.

Okoh, who thanked God for success of the just concluded voter registration, said there was need for all Nigerians, no matter their religious affiliation, to pray for the peace, unity and security of the country.

He pointed out that as Christians, the unity and progress of Nigeria was uppermost.

Okoh said he was optimistic that Nigeria would repositioned itself globally given its human and natural resources adding that the country was “eminently qualified to be a super power’’.

He urged the Nigerian officials not to limit themselves to the administrative jobs in the Mission rather they should also pray for a peaceful country.

Okoh added, “if there is no Nigeria, there will be no Nigerian Missions or Embassies.’’
Earlier, Nigeria’s Ag. High Commissioner, to UK Mr Dozie Nwanna said that religious leaders have played very vital role in the stabilisation and progress of the country.

He said in spite of the different challenges, the country had remained peaceful and united.
Nwanna solicited for prayers for the progress and peace of the country especially for the forthcoming elections.

Reports say that Okoh, who was elected Primate in September.
2009, is on his first pastoral visit to the UK.