Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Anglican Diocese of Nike in Enugu State, has vowed to take strong and far-reaching actions against anyone indulging in same-sex marriage and homosexuality among its members.
“In addition to consequences of homosexuality as explicitly stated in the scriptures, the Diocese shall take strong actions against anyone indulging in the act, including handing such a person to the law enforcement agencies,” Rt. Rev. Christian Onyia, Bishop of the Diocese, said.
Onyia said this on Monday at the end of the five-day Second session of the 6th Synod of the Diocese at the Church of the Beatitudes, Trans Ekulu, Enugu; with the theme: “The Covenant Keeping God.”
He said that the Diocese in the course of the synod and other meetings, had risen with one voice to condemn the abomination unequivocally and had vowed not to spare anyone among its fold found or caught in the act.
“The Bishop, Clergy and Laity of Nike Diocese Anglican Communion strongly condemn same-sex marriage and homosexuality in whatever name and form.
“Same-sex marriage is not only unbiblical; it is unchristian, sinful, satanic and unholy and brings God’s curse and anger on humanity.
“it is ‘impossible’ for God to ‘bless sin’ in whatever name and form. In this case, the current rascality of ‘what God cannot do does not exist’ does not apply,” he noted.
According to him, “our main thrust as a Diocese is primarily anchored on the Great Commission, which is the propagation and proclamation of the undiluted truth in the Word of God.”
The bishop said that God’s covenant and standard in marriage is established only on heterosexuality for human sexuality, adding that the Holy Bible is wholly reliable, trustworthy and true in all that it affirms.
He said that the Holy Bible (Matthew 19:4-6) clearly teaches the honour, dignity and value of the two sexes as created in God’s image – intentionally male and female – each bringing unique and complementary qualities to sexuality and relationships.
“We also condemn any form of ‘revisionist gay theology’ which comes in the form of homosexual and gender identity debates demanding for legitimisation and approval of homosexual rights ideology.
“This does not only promote, but sows seeds of doubt about God’s commands concerning same-sex marriage.
“Painfully, instead of condemning this monster, some church leaders are either openly or subtly supporting the ideology,” he said.
Onyia said that the entire Diocese was commending GAFCON Archbishops and Bishops particularly Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion for boycotting the 2022 Lambeth Conference and condemning the resolution of the conference on same-sex marriage.
According to him, GAFCON clearly affirmed that “same-sex acts are sinful and are explicitly forbidden in biblical law; that the passions are sinful because they are misdirected towards one’s own sex, not the opposite sex; and that the minds with such orientation reflect a sinful state of being.
The bishop said, “the revisionist gay theology, predicated on God’s love for sinners, is nothing but a systematic questioning of clear scriptural teaching on homosexual behaviour.
“Once again, as a Diocese, we completely align with the scriptures and explicitly condemn same-sex marriage.
“You shall not lie with a male as with a female; it is an abomination – Leviticus 18:22.”
“If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads – Leviticus 20:13.”
Onyia noted that marriage is a lifelong faithful, covenantal relationship ordained by God for the union of a man and woman only.
“This scriptural view is affirmed by the Diocese of Nike (Anglican Communion) in totality with no exception.
“We do not condone and shall not tolerate any form of homosexuality and same sex marriage from anybody within the Diocese,” he added.
