"The Church of Nigeria restates its position that Christian marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman. Homosexuality and same sex relationships are not acceptable alternative or lifestyle, as our Church is a Bible believing Church."

Nigeria is taking its leadership role within the Anglican Communion with African leaders, declaring that in many parts of the Anglican world, apostasy is the new orthodoxy. "The Standing Committee believes now is the right time to ask the Anglican world, 'who is on the LORD'S side?'"

The Standing Committee resolutely and unanimously supported the Primate of all Nigeria as "he confronts ungodly and unbiblical developments within the Anglican Communion and calls all Anglican Christians, lay and ordained to a life of repentance, holiness and faithful dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ."

"No voice that speaks in any way contrary to this faith from within Nigeria or abroad speaks in the name of this Church," a veiled reference to the General Secretary of the Anglican Consultative Council, Josiah Idowu-Fearon, who has endorsed the theology of Archbishop Justin Welby on sexuality. Before being appointed Secretary General of the ACC, he was Archbishop of Kaduna in Nigeria.

The Standing Committee also expressed its deep concern for the plight of persecuted Christians who are suffering at the hands of Islamic extremists in Nigeria and around the world. "This increase in hostility towards Christians is preventing some of them from freely engaging in worship and Christian ministry." They called on Christians to pray for God's grace and protection for those who are persecuted and called on governments to ensure freedom of worship and where necessary to protect Christians who are under pressure around the world.

END