The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry C Ndukuba, issued a statement on Friday 26 February 2021 which referred to “the deadly ‘virus’ of homosexuality”. The statement goes on to use phrases like, “[homosexuality] is likened to a Yeast that should be urgently and radically expunged and excised lest it affects the whole dough”. It also states that “secular governments are adopting aggressive campaign for global homosexual culture.” (sic)
I completely disagree with and condemn this language. It is unacceptable. It dehumanises those human beings of whom the statement speaks.
I have written privately to His Grace The Archbishop to make clear that this language is incompatible with the agreed teaching of the Anglican Communion (expressed most clearly, albeit in unsuitable language for today, in paragraphs c and d of resolution I.10 of the Lambeth Conference 1998). This resolution both restated a traditional view of Christian marriage and was clear in its condemnation of homophobic actions or words. It affirmed that “all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ.”
The Anglican Communion continues to seek to walk together amidst much difference and through many struggles. I urge all Christians to join me in continuing prayer for the people and churches of Nigeria as they face economic hardship, terrorist attacks, religious-based violence and insecurity.
The mission of the church is the same in every culture and country: to demonstrate, through its actions and words, that God’s offer of unconditional love to every human being through Jesus Christ calls us to holiness and hope.
+Justin Cantuar:
Of course you condemn the language because it indirectly indicts you and your abysmal leadership as the Archbishop of the Anglican Church. The Nigerian Archbishop was naming the consequences of sin, which homosexual acts are. His reference to yeast in dough comes from a metaphor used by Jesus for the exactly same reasons. The appropriateness of the metaphor is amply demonstrated by the present situation in the ACNA where efforts to be pastoral towards those experiencing same-sex attraction has been used by homosexual activists to paint the Church as being cruel to those folks, which is the farthest thing from the truth possible.
Wait, so in just over twenty-two years, our understanding of this issue has changed so much that language from 1998 is “unsuitable” for today?
He is saying that the language is unsuitable for today and criticises the Primate for not abiding by that unsuitable language.
I assume thst the Primate of Nigeria is speaking of what people DO. People who indulge in homosexual acts are homosexuals and act in a way that is clearly sinful. The use of the word “homophobic” by the English Archbishop implies that he is deficient in his ability to use language. His suggestion that condemnation of homosexual practice dehumanises people is just plainly silly. No one dehumanises people by pointing out human frailty and sin.
I have to wonder how many persons could claim to be ‘baptised, believing and faithful persons’ in Nazi Germany, or in Rwanda in the 1990s, etc., etc. Welby’s theological acumen has the sharpness of a damp sponge, and any concern for Biblical faith and fidelity is completely lacking. Yet we must welcome such challenging instances as they are the occasions for the much needed sifting of true Christians from fake Christians, no matter how tall their pointy hats. We await more definitive responses from ACNA. Thank you, Nigeria.